related links.............. Botanical Classification
Botanical orders speak to our current view of plant evolution: Until relatively recently the Iris family (Iridaceae) was thought to be related to the lily family (Liliaceae) in what was a large order Liliales. But new information on the biochemistry of Irises has indicated a closer affinity to orchids (family Orchidaceae) and asparagus (family Asparagaceae) and they all are now included in the Order Asparagales. For a current update on the taxonomy one can go to http://www.mobot.org/mobot/research/apweb/welcome.html
-- Main.RPries - 2012-01-11