Phylum Magnoliophyta Cronquist, Takht. & Zimmerm. ex Reveal (1996) see Infraphylum Angiospermae auct.
   Class Magnoliopsida Brongn. (1843)
     Subclass Lamiidae Takht. ex Reveal (1993) see [unranked] lamiids
       Superorder Lamianae Takht. (1967) see Order Lamiales Bromhead (1838)
         Order Scrophulariales Lindl. (1833) see Order Lamiales Bromhead (1838)
           Family Acanthaceae Juss. (1789), nom. cons. - Acanthus family
             1 Subfamily Nelsonioideae Pfeiff.
             2 Subfamily Thunbergioideae T. Anderson
             2.0 Subfamily Mendoncioideae see Tribe Mendoncieae Meisn. (1840)
             3 Subfamily Acanthoideae Eaton