AbstractRecent phylogenetic analyses of monocotyledons have indicated that the largely heteromycotrophic families Burmanniaceae and Thismiaceae belong in Dioscoreales, with Dioscoreaceae, Taccaceae and three other hermaphrodite genera Stenomeris, Avetra and Trichopus. Historically this relationship was supported by floral morphological characters, but over the past century these characters have largely been disregarded. In light of the results of recent phylogenetic analyses, the development of floral characters in this group is re‐examined by comparative studies of SEM specimens from juvenile to mature stages. Similar structures, such as reflexed stamens with a prolonged connective, umbrella‐like stigmas and an urceolate floral chamber occur commonly within this group, and may provide phylogenetically informative characters. Ontogenetic data are critical in identifying possible homologies between floral structures, which may also be closely associated with pollination syndromes.