The APG IV Classification

The APG IV system of angiosperms classification is the fourth iteration of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group. It is primarily molecular-based system of plant taxonomy for flowering plants. It was released in 2016, seven years after its predecessor, the APG III system, and 18 years after the initial APG system, which was released in 1998.

The APG IV system of flowering plant categorization is the fourth iteration of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group's current, primarily molecular-based system of plant taxonomy for blooming plants (angiosperms) (APG). It was released in 2016, seven years after its predecessor, the APG III system, and 18 years after the initial APG system, which was released in 1998. A linear arrangement of the system was separately published in 2009; the APG IV article offers such an arrangement, which is cross-referenced to the 2009 one.

The APG IV system recognises five new orders (Boraginales, Dilleniales, Icacinales, Metteniusales, and Vahliales), as well as several new families, for a total of 64 angiosperm orders and 416 families. In general, the authors describe their perspective as "conservative," predicated on changing APG III only when "a well-supported need" is proven. This has occasionally resulted in placements that are incompatible with published studies, but for which additional research is required before the classification can be modified.