Hydnoraceae

Rootless, leafless, fungus-looking plants that in southern Africa are parasitic on Euphorbia, Acacia and Albizia species. Two genera and seven species (Africa, Madagascar, Arabia, South and Central America) with one genus (Hydnora) and three species native to southern Africa .

Aristolochiaceae

Eight genera and 480 species (on all continents), Aristolochia (pipevines, Dutchman's pipes) is the only genus represented in southern Africa with three native species, one naturalised, and an additional seven species that are cultivated in the region.

Piperaceae (pepper family)

Five genera and about 3600 species (pantropical), with two genera (Piper and Peperomia) and nine species native to southern Africa . An additional 11 species are cultivated in the region, including Piper nigrum (Black pepper).

Saururaceae

Five genera and six species (North America and east Asia). One species, Houttuynia cordata (Dokudami), originates from east Asia and is cultivated in southern Africa.