In the classification system of Dahlgren the Cyclanthaceae were the sole family of the order Cyclanthales in the superorder Cyclanthiflorae (also called Cyclanthanae).

The family occurs in the neotropics and consists of 12 genera with a total of ca 230 known species (Christenhusz & Byng 2016 [2]).

Stelestylis Chorigyne Sphaeradenia Ludovia Evodianthus Dianthoveus Carludovica Asplundia Thoracocarpus Dicranopygium Schultesiophytum Cyclanthus The family is probably best known for Carludovica palmata, the young leaves of which are made into Panama hats.

An unidentified species belonging to this family (possibly a Carludovica species) has been marketed as a houseplant in the United States under the name "Jungle Drum".

Carludovica divergens is added to some versions of the hallucinogenic drink Ayahuasca.