Pleurothallis is a large genus that previously contained about 1240 orchids from the orchid family (Orchidaceae).
To bring some order in this extremely diverse genus, 29 subgenera and 25 sections had been created. Much of this work has been done by Dr. C. Luer. In 2004 this genus has almost been halved by incorporating many species into new genera (Monogr. Syst. Bot. Missouri Bot. Gard. 95: 256. February 2004).
A new analysis, based on DNA testing, has confirmed on the whole this classification of the subtribe Pleurothallidinae, with however Pleurothallis as the main difference. This should not surprise anyone, since this somewhat artificial genus has been the dumping ground for species that did not fit into any other genus.
New genetic insight has broken up this huge genus and made it more consistent with the principles of monophyletic genera and evolutionary relationships.
Several times a splitting up had been attempted, but there were always too many intermediate forms.
Finally, in 2004 the new genera Acianthera, Ancipitia, Antilla, Apoda-prorepentia, Areldia, Atopoglossum, Brenesia, Colombiana, Crocodeilanthe, Cucumeria, Didactylus, Dracontia, Elongatia, Empusella, Kraenzlinella, Lindleyalis, Madisonia, Proctoria, Rubellia, Specklinia, Talpinaria, Unciferia, and Xenosia have been created, incorporating a large number of former Pleurothallis species (Monogr. Syst. Bot. Missouri Bot. Gard. 95: 255. February 2004).
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