A Review on the Phylogenetics of Austrobaileyaceae

The monotypic family Austrobaileyaceae with 2 species, is one of the systematically most isolated families. The pollen grains resemble to a remarkable degree Clavatipollenites of the Lower Cretaceous period, one of the oldest angiosperm fossils. Recent phylogenetic analyses of multiple molecular data sets indicate that Austrobaileyaceae are some of the basal taxa among the extant angiosperms, which implies their important value for study of the origin and early evolution of angiosperms. The origin and radiation of angiosperms (flowering plants) has long been important issues attracting botanists. The systematic position of Austrobaileyaceae is controversial. This paper reviews the research history and recent advances related to this family.