The classification of ferns has been improved by the foundation of the family Athyriaceae. But even according to Ching‘s strict concept, it is still a large and complex taxon. After Ching distinguished it into 21 genera, the family has become clear at the generic level. Up to now, the subdivisions at the levels of subfamily, subgenus and section are still unsuccessful. Mainly according to the three basic chromosome numbers, X = 42,41 and 40,