SUMMARYThe vegetative morphology and anatomy ofAphyllanthesis described in some detail. Notable features include the reduction of leaves to colourless, non‐assimilating scales, the development of the scape with xeromorphic features as the sole assimilating organ and the production of appreciable amounts of secondary tissues in the underground rhizome. Anatomical evidence does not support the proposal of Takhtajan thatAphyllanthesshould be included within the same order as Eriocaulaceae, but does suggest some affinity with Xanthorrhoeaceae. Other groups with whichAphyllanthesmay have affinity have not yet, however, been examined anatomicall