Cronquist System of Classification

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Arthur Cronquist
• Basis of Classification
• Organisation of Classification
• Merits of the Classification

Introduction to Arthur Cronquist

The Cronquist system of classification was given by an American botanist, Arthur Cronquist (1919-1992). His system of classification was influenced by Bessey’s system of classification (1915) and modification of Takhtajan’s system of classification (1950s).

His work was published as a series of texts and monographs in The Evolution and Classification of Flowering Plants that was published in 1968 as the first edition and in 1988 as the second edition, and An Integrated System of Classification of Flowering Plants that was published in 1981.

Basis of Classification

Cronquist’s system was based on extensive research from vast literature, advice from other botanists and his study of herbarium specimens. He divided angiosperms or flowering plants into two broad classes, Magnoliopsida (dicotyledons) and Liliopsida (monocotyledons).

He based his study on anatomical, morphological, serological, embryological, palynological, cytological as well as ultrastructural evidence. Within the classes, he placed subclasses with related orders under them.

Organisation of Classification

• Class Magnoliopsida: This class consists of 6 subclasses with 64 orders and 321 families. The six subclasses are as follows:

1. Magnoliidae (8 orders and 39 families)
2. Hamamelididae (11 orders and 25 families)
3. Caryophyllidae (3 orders and 14 families)
4. Dilleniidae (13 orders and 78 families)
5. Rosidae (18 orders and 118 families)
6. Asteridae (11 orders and 50 families)

• Class Liliopsida: This class consists of 5 subclasses with 19 orders and 65 families. The five subclasses are as follows:

1. Alismatidae (4 orders and 16 families)
2. Arecidae (4 orders and 6 families)
3. Commelinidae (7 orders and 16 families)
4. Zingiberidae (2 orders and 9 families)
5. Liliidae (2 orders and 19 families)

Merits of the Classification

• It is a thorough system of classification, hence it is still being used by many botanists either in the same form or after a little modification.
• It is a contemporary system that is based on extensive research and shows the best relationship of flowering plants.
• It provides detailed information about each taxa as compared to other classification systems.
• The classification is so well organised that it provides an orderly way for the students to learn about flowering plants.

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• An Overview of the Five Kingdom Classification
• The Classification of Plants – Annuals, Biennials and Perennials
• Evolution and Classification of Organisms on Earth
• Important MCQs on Biological Classification