We propose a new classification for the South American species of the genus Bartsia L. and relatives recently included in an expanded treatment of the genus Bellardia (L.) All. This new classification reflects their evolutionary history, and is based on morphological and molecular evidence, biogeographic hypotheses, and rates of diversification for these species. Additionally, we rearranged the current taxonomic classification of close relatives so that the current circumscriptions encompass only monophyletic groups. Some of these changes include the creation of a new genus, Neobartsia Uribe-Convers and Tank (47 spp.), as well as the reclassification of Bellardia latifolia (L.) Cuatrec. back to Parentucellia latifolia (L.) Caruel. These taxonomic changes are important for proper communication within the large Rhinantheae clade of Orobanchaceae, and for the interpretation of biogeographic patterns and diversification processes of these species.