A flora treatment for the Petiveriaceae occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Burundi is provided. In this region, the family is represented by three genera (Hilleria, Petiveria, Rivina), with one species each. Contrary to what had been generally accepted until now, it is argued that Hilleria latifolia is most likely native to Africa. All genera and species come with a morphological description, synonyms, data on distribution, habitat, conservation information, vernacular names and uses, as well as additional bibliography, taxonomic notes and the citation of representative herbarium specimens. All species are illustrated with line drawings and colour photographs.