Diapensiaceae

Diapensiaceae is a small family of flowering plants, which includes 15 species in 6 genera. The genera include Berneuxia Decne. (1 species), Diapensia L. (5 species), Galax Sims (1 species), Pyxidanthera Michx. (2 species), Shortia Torr. & A.Gray (4 species), and Schizocodon Siebold & Zucc. (2 species). Members of this family have little economic importance; however, some members are cultivated by florists.

==Taxonomy== Past literature classified Diapensiaceae as an old family, without defining the meaning of old. The name Diapensia was given to Diapensia lapponica by Linnaeus. Previously, it was the Greek name of sanicle. The family, originally including only Diapensia lapponica, was named by Heinrich Friedrich Link in 1829. Concerning the interrelationships in Diapensiaceae, debate still remains regarding the recognition of Schizocodon and whether it should be separate from Shortia. However, recent molecular studies support the split of the two genera. Additionally, recognition of species within the genera has been debated. Within the genus Pyxidanthera, two species have previously been recognized. Recent morphology and molecular work found that the two species do not differ morphologically, gene flow exists between them, and the taxa are not monophyletic.