Byblis (plant) - Systematics

Systematics

Molecular genetics studies have placed the genus in the family Lamiales. While its placement within the order is still unclear, it is closely related to Martyniaceae, Lentibulariaceae as well as Gesneriaceae.

For a time, the genus Roridula was also assigned to the family Byblidaceae. Since that time, however, it have been recategorized into its own family, Roridulaceae.

Traditionally the genus was divided into only two species, namely B. gigantea and B. liniflora. Further species were described in the 1980s, particularly through the work of the Australian botanist Allen Lowrie. Seven species are currently recognized:

• Byblis aquatica (annual, scrambling stem up to 45 cm (18 in), semiaquatic habitats)
• Byblis filifolia (annual, up to 60 cm (24 in), anthers longer than filaments)
• Byblis gigantea (perennial, up to 70 cm (28 in), seeds with honeycomb pattern)
• Byblis guehoi
• Byblis lamellata (perennial, up to 45 cm (18 in), deeply ridged seeds)
• Byblis liniflora (annual, up to 15 cm (5.9 in), anthers shorter than filaments)
• Byblis rorida (annual, up to 30 cm (12 in), heavily set with glandular tentacles)