Subfamily

The subfamily (lat.: subfamilia) is a taxonomic rank below the family in botanical systematics. The name generally ends with the suffix -oideae.

Traditionally the family Bromeliaceae has been divided into three subfamilies

• Bromelioideae
• Pitcairnioideae
• Tillandsioideae

Recent studies by Givnish, Millam, Berry & Sytema (2007) resulted in a reorganization. While Bromelioideae and Tillandsioideae remained untouched, the most ancestral genera of the Pitcairnioideae were split from it and arranged into five new subfamilies.

• Brocchinioideae
• Hechtioideae
• Lindmanioideae
• Navioideae
• Puyoideae

Sources & Literature

• Wikipedia
• Givnish et al (2007) Aliso 23: 3-26; Online version on the University of Wisconsin website