Abstract The type section of the genus Lebeckia (sect. Lebeckia ) comprises 12 species with simple, acicular leaves, all endemic to the Cape Floristic Region. As a first step towards a revision of the section Lebeckia , a detailed study was made of the species with terete or subterete fruits ( L. sepiaria and related species). Analyses of the vegetative and reproductive morphology showed that four species should be recognised: L. sepiaria (L.) Thunb., L. ambigua E. Mey., L. gracilis Eckl. and Zeyh. and L. brevicarpa M. M. le Roux and B.-E. van Wyk sp. nov. Last-mentioned has been confused with L. sepiaria (hitherto wrongly known as L. simsiana Eckl. and Zeyh.) but is easily distinguished by its ovoid, few-seeded pods and restricted distribution in the Cedarberg Mountains. The diagnostic characters, correct nomenclature and typification, as well as descriptions and distribution maps are presented.