Two New Monocotyledon Families: Anemarrhenaceae and Behniaceae (Lilianae: Asparagales)

Abstract

Summary. Two new monocotyledon families Anemarrhenaceae and Behniaceae are described for the monotypic but somewhat isolated genera Anemarrhena and Behnia. The differences from previous morphology-based associations near Anthericaceae and Luzuriagaceae respectively are considered, and their current relationships based in part on molecular sequence data are discussed. Both families are considered to be part of a 'higher' asparagoid clade leading to Asparagaceae and Convalliariaceae, but with no obvious close morphological affinities to other families in the clade.