Prosopanche de Bary Hydnoroideae is a subfamily of parasitic flowering plants in the order Piperales.

[4] The most striking aspect of the Hydnoroideae is probably the complete absence of leaves (not even in modified forms such as scales).

[5] The plants are pollinated by insects such as dermestid beetles or carrion flies, attracted by the fetid odor of the flowers.

[2] The fruits have edible, fragrant pulp, which attracts animals such as porcupines, monkeys, jackals, rhinoceros, and armadillos, as well as humans.

Molecular data places them in the Piperales, and nested within the Aristolochiaceae and allied with the Piperaceae or Saururaceae.