Anatomical and molecular systematics of Asteliaceae and Hypoxidaceae

The astelioid group of asparagoid lilies (Lilianae – Asparagales) comprises Hypoxidaceae, Asteliaceae,BlandfordiaandLanaria. New information is presented on astelioid anatomy, together with a review of other systematic characters. These data are analysed in the context of recent evidence fromrbcL nucleotide sequences that astelioids are related to orchids, and that astelioids and orchids (plusAlaniaandBorya) form a clade that is sister to all other asparagoid taxa. Hypoxidaceae and Asteliaceae differ from each other in several respects, but there are certain characters linking the two families, notably branched hairs and mucilage canals, unusual characters in Lilianae. Family diagnoses are upheld, but the precise relationships ofBlandfordiaandLanariaare still poorly supported within the astelioid clade.