It is shown that there is far-reaching similarity between the genera Huerniopsis and Piaranthus. It has been widely assumed that these taxa lack an outer corona. It is demonstrated that this is incorrect but that nevertheless the structure of this corona and its associated nectarial cavity is an apomorphy for this group of species among southern African stapeliads. The two species of Huerniopsis are transferred to Piaranthus as Piaranthus decipiens (N.E. Br.) Bruyns and P. atrosanguineus (N.E. Br.) Bruyns.