This subfamily consists mostly of tropical and subtropical Old World genera, found in Africa, Asia and the Pacific.

One species (Rhynchoglossum azureum) is native to Central and South America.

[2] Didymocarpoideae is one of two main subfamilies in the Gesneriaceae, the other being Gesnerioideae.

Didymocarpoideae seedlings usually have cotyledons which become different in size and shape (anisocotylous).

[2] The species of the subfamily Didymocarpoideae are native to Europe, Africa, Asia, Malesia, the Pacific and Australia, except for a single species, Rhynchoglossum azureum, which is native to the Neotropics (Central and South America).