[2][3] Originally, all Poyntonophrynus species were included in the genus Bufo.

The genus was split due to large enough taxonomic divergence as evidenced by molecular markers.

[1] The genus is named in honour of John C. Poynton [fr], South African herpetologist, with phrynus being Greek for toad.

Some molecular studies have suggested polyphyly of Poyntonophrynus, but the conclusion is likely to have been caused by sequences representing a different species than assumed.

[4] They lack a tarsal fold, and their parotoid glands are indistinct and flattened.