Orchidaceae - Taxonomy

Taxonomy

The taxonomy of this family is in constant flux, as new studies continue to identify more classificatory elements. The Orchidaceae is currently placed in the order Asparagales by the APG III system of 2009.

Five subfamilies are recognised. The cladogram has been made according to the APG system:



Apostasioideae: 2 genera and 16 species, south-western Asia




Cypripedioideae: 5 genera and 130 species, from the temperate regions of the world, as well as tropical America and tropical Asia


Monandrae

Vanilloideae: 15 genera and 180 species, humid tropical and subtropical regions, eastern North America




Epidendroideae: more than 500 genera and more or less 20,000 species, cosmopolitan



Orchidoideae: 208 genera and 3,630 species, cosmopolitan






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