Systematics of Xanthorrhoeaceae sensu lato: evidence for polyphyly

Abstract

This paper reviews the systematics of the ten genera of Xanthorrhoeaceae in the light of significant new anatomical and molecular data which indicate that it is a polyphyletic assemblage. Dasypogon, Calectasia, Kingia and Baxteria belong together in Dasypogonaceae in the commelinoid clade, rather than with the other genera in the order Asparagales (Lilianae). Xanthorrhoeae is taxanomically isolated and correctly placed in a monotypic family Xanthorrhoeaceae. The family Lomandraceaea should include Acanthocarpus, Chamaexeros, Lomandra, Xerolirion and Romnalda (not Baxteria), together with other genera (the arthropodioids).