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Classification of the Orchidaceae and their probable origin

1983; National Herbarium of NSW; Volume: 2; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.7751/telopea19834407

2200-4025

Robert L. Dressler,

Ecology and Conservation Studies

Classification of the Orchidaceae and their probable origin.Telopea 2(4): 413-424-Though we need much more data, especially on primitive orchids, increased knowledge is leading to a more natural classification.The Apostasioideae and Cypripedioideae, with 2 or 3 fertile anthers, are each amply distinct.The monandrous orchids with erect anther and soft pollen form 2 distinct groups: the Orchidoideae have the anther generally surpassing the rostellum, lack subsidiary cells, and most groups have root-stem tuberoids; while the Spiranthoideae have the rostellum subequal to the anther, often have mesoperigenous subsidiary cells, and lack rootstem tuberoids.The Epidendroideae are the major phyletic group, about 80OJo of the family.They often have perigenous subsidiary cells, and members with soft pollen generally have the anther bending downward during development.The vandoid tribes do not show such clear ontogenetic bending, but current research on seed structure suggests that the vandoid level of evolution has arisen independently 3 or 4 times from different epidendroid groups, with much parallelism.Of special interest is the presence of fleshy fruits and hard seed coats in 3 subfamilies.It is suggested that the ancestral Liliiflorae were shrubs or vines with broad, possibly net-veined leaves, with berries and an abscission layer between ovary and perianth.The Asparagaceae and Philesiaceae are suggested as possible living relatives.The following names are published on p.