Recently, following DNA-studies, new insight into the relationship between flowering plants have led botanists to revise much of the traditional structure of families. One of the these concern a group of families related to the plantain family (Plantaginaceae) and the Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). Traditionally Mare's tails (Hippuris sp.) and Water-starworts (Callitriche sp.) were placed in their own family (Hippuridaceae resp. Callitrichaceae). But now it is believed they should be included in the plantain family. Many text books and on-line information sources still use the traditional classification. Even more dramatic has been the fate of the Scrophulariaceae (figwort family). It has been split-up in two major groups. One group concerns the speed-wells (Veronica sp.) and a few other genera not represented in the Icelands flora. They too are now considered to be part of the plantain family. The other group, consisting semi-parasites, like Bartsia, Euphrasia, Pedicularis, Rhinanthus, has been combined with the Orobranche species (broomrape's: full parasitic plants without green leaves) into the family Orobranchaceae. So the tradtional figwort family is no more.... A personal note: I am not happy with the family name Orobranchaceae. It suggests an Orobranche would be at the root of the family. This is obviously highly unlikely because it would imply that foto-synthesis was reïnvented after it had become lost!

In order not to confuse visitors to this site I state both the traditional and modern relationships.