Philos. Trans. Genet. 1: 168-207 (2011) A review of phylogenetic relationships in the genus Clivia Spies, P., Grobler, J.P. & Spies, J.J. Department of Genetics (116), University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfon- tein 9300 Abstract The results of several published phylogenetic studies, based on RAPDs, karyotyp- ing, chromosome banding techniques, GISH, FISH and sequencing of the nuclear ITS1-2 and chloroplast trnL-F regions, were completed on the six species of the genus Clivia. The cladogram topologies between these studies are inconsistent and none of these studies provided all the answers regarding the evolution and relationships in the genus. These studies suggest that development of Clivia is from western South Africa to the east and that the divergence of C. mirabilis in the west from the eastern species occurred during the Late Miocene and Pliocene. Most studies confirm that C. mirabilis and C. nobilis are the most primitive species and basal to the rest of the species. The relationship between C. miniata, C. gar- denii and C. robusta are not yet established. RAPD studies revealed inter and in- traspecific variation, especially in C. miniata and interspecific variation in C. caules- cens based on chromosome banding. Genome sizes seem to correlate with the evolution patterns in Clivia. An expanded DNA phylogenetic study, based on se- quencing of various chloroplast and nuclear DNA regions and aimed at elucidating current uncertainties, is currently in progress. Key words: C-values, Evolution, Geographical distribution, ITS, trnL-F Received: 04/08/11; accepted: 03/11/11. Introduction The family Amaryllidaceae consists of 59 genera, most having perennial bulbs. Although the distribution is worldwide, many of the genera are concentrated in South America and South Africa (Simpson, 2010). Clivia Lindl. (1828) is a member of the family Amaryllidaceae, which have been subdivided into three tribes: Amaryllideae, Cyrtantheae and Hae- mantheae Salisb. (Meerow & Snijman, 1998; Meerow et al., 1999; Meerow & Snijman, 2001; Meerow & Clayton, 2004; Meerow & Snijman, 2006). The correct placement of the genus into tribes and subtribes have been