Hutchinson’s System of Classification of Angiosperms

John Hutchinson  was the author of a classification published between 1926-1934. This system appeared in two volumes “families of flowering plants”. This was later revised in 1948.

• It is phylogenetic system. A clear concept of evolution was taken into account
• Concepts are new but it is based on Bessey’s system.
• Flowering plants were classified.
• Gymnosperms are more primitive to angiosperms.
• Bennttitalian origin of angiosperms flower is accepted.
• Dicots divided into Lignosae and Herbaceae.
• Compositae highly advanced in monocots.
• Orchidaceae highly advanced in monocots.
• There are 411 families.

Hutchinson’s classification has not found wide support, but his revision of the monocots has been accepted.

An outline of Hutchinson's System of Classification

Phylum : Angiospermae
Subphylum I: Dicotyledons

• Division I. Lignosae (54 Orders): Order 1 Magnoliales - Order 54 Verbenales
• Division II. Herbaceae: Order 55 Ranales - Order 82 Lamiales

Subphylum II: Monocotyledons

• Division I. Calyciferae (12 Orders) : Order 83 Butomales to Order 94 Zingiberales
• Division II. Corolliferae (14 Orders) : Order 95 Liliales to Order 108 Orchidales
• Division III. Glumiflorae (3 Orders): Order 109: Juncales to Order 111 Graminales