The recommendations of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/ are the international standard for plant families and subfamilies, and should be followed. They are based on a very detailed survey of all aspects of the plants, chemical, DNA, morphology etc, and should not be disregarded because some of their findings 'seem peculiar'. Above all, in the world of the monocots, it is essential to throw out the old concepts (most especially the once vast Liliaceae) and adopt the idea of smaller families with their own particular sets of characteristics, within larger lineages, especially the Asparagales and Liliales. The APG website is very comprehensive and gives clear cladograms showing relationships between families. A list of genera found in each family is given. Do not expect an easy read from the site! But use its recommendations! John Grimshaw Dr John M. Grimshaw Sycamore Cottage Colesbourne Nr Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL53 9NP Tel. 01242 870567