Serological comparisons of the seed proteins of Flagellaria indica L., Joinvillea bomeensis Becc. and Hanguana malayanum Merr. were made in order to provide evidence for the systematic evaluation of these taxa. Lack of serological cross-reactivity suggests the placement of these genera in three separate monogeneric families, Flagellariaceae, Joinvilleaceae and Hanguanaceae. Additional serological analyses are needed to evaluate their systematic position in the monocotyledons.