DNA data and archidaceae systematics: A new phylogenetic classification

Abstract

Orchidaceae are rapidly becoming one of the best-studied families of the angiosperms in terms of infra-familial phylogenetic relationships. These studies demonstrate that several previous concepts about phylogenetic patterns were incorrect, which make all previous classifications in need of review. Therefore, in this paper we describe the emerging patterns and propose a new phylogenetic classification of Orchidaceae that accords with these newly discovered relationships. We recognise five subfamilies: Apostasioideae, Vanilloideae, Cypripedioideae, Orchidoideae and Epidendroideae, the last containing the bulk of the taxa in the family. Apostasioideae are sister to all the rest, followed successively by Vanilloideae, Cypripedioideae and the remainder of the monandrous orchids, Orchidoideae and Epidendroideae. Although only an interim classification, it should help to focus other areas of orchid research and stimulate the creation of new hypotheses that will direct orchid researchers to new questions.