Two new species of subg. (Acanthaceae) are described from the Soutpansberg Centre of Plant Endemism in Limpopo Province of South Africa: and . The habitat requirements, conservation status and taxonomic affinities of each species are discussed. is considered to be closely allied to the widespread and frequently cultivated southern African species , whilst is morphologically most similar to which has a restricted distribution in northern South Africa and Zimbabwe. Remarkably, the two new species are postulated to occasionally hybridise within the Soutpansberg. Both species are currently assessed as of Least Concern despite their restricted ranges. is noted to be amongst the most densely spiny species of and, indeed, is a contender as one of the spiniest species of plant in South Africa.
