Introduction

Armen Takhtajan was born in 1910 and died in 2009. He presented a system of classification, which was first published in a
very preliminary form in 1942. Takhtajan’s system of classification is basically of Bessey-Hallier tradition which considerd
all evidences from different fields including morphological, anatomical, embryological, cytological, palynological,
paleobotanical, chemical and ultrastructural evidences while classifying angiosperms.

Classification

Takhtajan divided Magnoliophyta (= Angiospermae) into two classes—Magnoliopsida (Dicots) and Liliopsida (Monocots).
He further divided Magnoliopsida into 7 subclasses, 20 superorders and 71 orders, and Liliopsida into 3 subclasses, 8
superorders, and 21 orders. Takhtajan (1980) recognizes a total of 92 orders and 410 families among angiosperms.

Principle
Evolutionary Relationship Classification based on phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships among taxa.
Primitive vs. Advanced Traits Emphasis on transitions in floral structure, symmetry, and growth form.
Importance of Fossils Fossil records are used to trace ancestral traits and plant evolution.
Subdivision Detailed division of taxa into subclasses, orders, and families for greater specificity.
Integration of Biogeography Consideration of geographic distribution in classifying plant groups.
Hierarchical Framework Uses divisions, classes, subclasses, orders, and families to depict evolutionary trends.
Molecular Data Gradual incorporation of genetic information to support traditional morphological
criteria.

DIVISION: MAGNOLIOPHYTA

(ANGIOSPERMAE)

Class: Magnoliopsida

DIVISION: MAGNOLIOPHYTA (ANGIOSPERMAE)

Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledones) Class: Liliopsida (Monocotyledones)

Subclass 1. Magnoliidae Subclass 1. Alismalidae

Subclass 2. Ranunculidae Subclass 2. Liliidae
Subclass 3. Hamamelididae Subclass 3. Arecidae
Subclass 4. Caryophylladae
Subclass 5. Dilleniidae
Subclass 6. Rosidae
Subclass 7. Asteridae
Criteria

I. Woody plants are primitive compared to herbaceous plants

II. Deciduous woody plants are evolved from evergreen plants
III. Parallel venation is most advanced
IV. Most primitive leaf arrangement is alternate
V. Stomata with subsidiary cells are primitive while those lacking subsidiary cells are advanced
VI. Unilacunar nodes are derived from trilacunar or pentalacunar nodes
VII. Xylem fibres evolved from tracheids to libriform fibres through fibre tracheids
VIII. Cymose inflorescence is primitive while racemose is derived

IX. Flowers with an indefinite or a variable number of their floral parts are primitive
X. Pollen grains with their exine lacking any external sculpturing are primitive while those having various types of
sculptures are advanced
XI. Apocarpous gynoecium is the characteristic of primitive taxa
XII. Unitegmic ovules developed from bitegmic ovules
XIII. Basic type of ovule is anatropous type; all others are derived ones

XIV. Basic and most primitive type of female gametophyte is 8 nucleate Polygonum type
XV. Primitive condition is porogamy, and the derived conditions are mesogamy and chalazogamy

XVI. Most primitive and basic type of fruit is a many seeded follicle, which develops from a multicarpellary apocarpous
gynoecium.
Merits and Demerits of the Takhtajan System of Classification
Aspect Merits Demerits
Phylogenetic Accuracy Reflects evolutionary relationships Early reliance on morphological data
among plants, providing a scientific made it less precise before
basis for classification. incorporating molecular evidence.
Comprehensiveness Divides angiosperms into detailed Highly detailed structure can be
ranks, including divisions, classes, overwhelming for beginners and non-
subclasses, orders, and families. specialists.
Use of Fossil Records Integrates paleo botanical data to trace Fossil records are incomplete, leading
evolutionary history, giving a historical to potential gaps in evolutionary
perspective. understanding.
Adaptability Can be updated with modern molecular Frequent revisions create difficulties in
data, making it flexible and relevant for standardizing the system for universal
contemporary studies. application.
Emphasis on Biogeography Considers geographic distribution as a Biogeographic focus may sometimes
factor, enhancing understanding of lead to regional biases in plant
plant evolution in different regions. representation.
Primitive Groups Places basal dicots (e.g., Magnoliidae) Some placements, such as basal
at the base, aligning with evolutionary groups, are debated due to new
theory. molecular evidence.
Educational Value Useful for teaching evolutionary trends Complexity and technicality limit its
and the diversity of plants at multiple accessibility for introductory-level
taxonomic levels. botany education.
Comparison with Engler & Prantl System
Aspect Takhtajan System Engler & Prantl System
Basis Phylogenetic (evolutionary relationships). Phylogenetic but prioritizes simplicity.
Focus Evolutionary trends, fossil records, morphology. Morphological traits and sequence of evolution.
Division of Magnoliopsida (dicots) and Liliopsida Same, but monocots precede dicots.
Angiosperms (monocots).
Primitive Primitive dicots like Magnoliidae are basal. Monocots like grasses are basal.
Placement