Apodanthaceae

Parasitic plants without chlorophyll. Vegetative parts represented by mycelium-like structures within the host and only the flowers pushing through to the surface. Stems and leaves absent. Flowers (in ours) solitary and unisexual, actinomorphic, surrounded by bracts and bracteoles. Calyx fleshy, petaloid with 4-6 lobes. Petals 0. Stamens 8-many fused in series around a central column. Ovary inferior, of 4-numerous fused carpels. Fruit a berry. Seeds minute, numerous.

Worldwide: 2 genera and 12 species, mostly tropical.

Malawi: 1 genus and 1 taxon.