Abstract: Athyriaceae is a large and complex fern family. Molecular phylogenetic analyses have shown the family is a natural taxon. Its subdivision into three subfamilies based on chromosome numbers is not supported by molecular evidence. The family is re-divided into five subfamilies according to morphological and molecular characters: Cystopterioideae, Athyrioideae, Deparioideae, Diplazioideae, Rhachidosoroideae.

Key words: Athyriaceae, molecular phylogeny, Cystopterioideae.