Harveya (Orobanchaceae) is a genus of root holoparasites native to Africa, Madagascar, and Yemen. Of 41 validly published species names attributed to Harveya, 25 apply to the 13 recognized species endemic to southern Africa. In the present study, a taxonomy of the southern African species is presented based on field and herbarium study, and a preliminary phylogenetic assessment. Sections on morphology, pollination syndromes, host ranges, and geographical distribution, as well as a key to species of southern Africa are presented. For each species treated a full synonymy and description, illustration, and range map are provided. Two new combinations are proposed: Harveya purpurea subsp. euryantha, H. purpurea subsp. sulphurea.