The nomenclature of the high Andean genera Pycnophyllopsis Skottsb. and Pycnophyllum J. Rémy is examined. Eight species of Pycnophyllopsis are recognized; lectotypes or neotypes are selected when required; a new species, Pycnophyllopsis smithii is proposed and two new combinations are made. The genus Plettkea Mattf. is reduced to a synonym of Pycnophyllopsis. Ten species of Pycnophyllum are accepted, including a new species, Pycnophyllum huascaranum and lectotypes or neotypes are selected when needed.