Apostasioideae is one of the five subfamilies recognised within the orchid family, Orchidaceae.[1] Only two genera, Neuwiedia and Apostasia, and 15 species, are recognised within the Apostasioideae in contrast to the other orchid subfamilies which are highly species rich.
Apostasioid orchids | |
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Apostasia wallichii | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Order: | Asparagales |
Family: | Orchidaceae |
Subfamily: | Apostasioideae Horan. (1847) |
Genera | |
Distribution of Apostasioideae |
The Apostasioideae are generally considered a basal lineage within the orchids[2] based on molecular data and flower structure. All other orchid subfamilies with the exception of the Cypripedioideae are monandrous (possessing a single stamen), however Apostasioid orchids have 3 stamens.
As with all basal or 'primitive' groups, extant species within Apostasioideae do not represent direct ancestors of the other subfamilies, they simply share the same common ancestor. However, by having followed a separate evolutionary pathway from the other orchids extant Apostasioid orchids may allow biologists to make inferences about features present in that common ancestor.[3]