Combretaceae

About 14 genera and 500 species (tropical and subtropical regions), with six genera and 56 species native to southern Africa, and an additional three genera and 18 species that are cultivated in the region.

Lythraceae (pomegranate family)

Thirty-one genera and 620 species, widely distributed with Seven genera and 47 species native to southern Africa, two genera and three species that are naturalised, and a further seven genera and 19 species that are cultivated in the region.

Melastomataceae

About 182 genera and 4570 species, native mainly to tropical and subtropical regions, especially South America. Six genera and 19 species are native to southern Africa, one genus and species are naturalised, and an additional four genera and 11 species are cultivated in the region.

Myrtaceae (eucalyptus, guava family)

About 131 genera and 4620 species, distributed worldwide, mainly in tropical to warm temperate regions. There are four genera and 25 species native to southern Africa, a further six genera and 23 species naturalised, and a further 21 genera and 298 species cultivated in the region. Species introduced to southern Africa originate mainly from Australia, with Eucalyptus the most prominent representative genus with 207 species introduced for cultivation (mainly for timber) of which 10 have become naturalised.

Onagraceae (fuchsia family)

Twenty-two genera and 656 species (worldwide), with two genera and 12 species native to southern Africa, two genera and 17 species naturalised, and a further five genera and 22 species that are cultivated in the region.

Penaeaceae

Nine genera and 34 species, native to eastern and southern Africa, also St Helena. The majority of the diversity is in southern Africa, particularly in fynbos of  the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.  All nine genera are native to southern Africa, and 31 species are native to the region.