The taxonomy, distribution and nomenclature of Lepidagathis species with basal inflorescences are discussed. The Indian species L. hamiltoniana is considered to be conspecific with the African L. collina which is reduced to subspecific status within L. hamiltoniana. The differences between these taxa and L. anobrya and L. rogersii are discussed. L. diversa is treated as a distinct species recognized by the inflorescences which occur at the upper nodes of the stem and by its falcate bracts.