As a consequence of extensive morphological and molecular research in Lampranthus and its allies, a new genus, Ruschiella Klak, is erected to accommodate a small group of anomalous species. Lampranthus uncus var. gydouwensis, previously regarded as a synonym of Phiambolia unca is raised to the rank of species, as Phiambolia gydouwensis (L. Bolus) Klak. Phyllobolus herbertii (N.E. Br.) Gerbaulet has been found to be conspecific with P. abbreviatus (L. Bolus) Gerbaulet. A new combination is made for Sphalmanthus humilis L. Bolus, as Phyllobolus humilis (L. Bolus) Klak, which had erroneously been treated as a synonym of P. herbertii. The taxonomic position of Lampranthus mutatus (G.D. Rowley) H.E.K. Hartmann is discussed and it is argued that this species is best placed in Ruschia, as Ruschia mutata G.D. Rowley.