Autotalleales

Autotalleales is a proposed order of flowering plants that has been defined based on molecular phylogenetic studies. This group is not universally recognized by all plant taxonomists and its circumscription has varied depending on the specific studies and datasets used. The primary evidence for the existence of Autotalleales comes from the analysis of DNA sequences, which suggest a distinct evolutionary lineage within the angiosperms.

If recognized, Autotalleales would include families that were previously assigned to other orders, such as the Magnoliales or other basal angiosperm groups. The exact composition of this order remains a subject of ongoing research and debate within the botanical community. Different phylogenetic analyses may place certain families within or outside of Autotalleales, leading to a fluid definition.

The taxonomic placement of Autotalleales is generally considered to be within the early diverging lineages of angiosperms, meaning they represent some of the oldest branches on the flowering plant family tree. Understanding the relationships and composition of such basal groups is crucial for reconstructing the evolutionary history of all flowering plants. Further molecular and morphological studies are needed to solidify the boundaries and evolutionary significance of the Autotalleales.