Recent trends in compilation of world consensus family classifications from existing floristic and monographic data, and demands for alpha-taxonomic and other traditional phenetic data for analysis with phylogenetic reconstructions derived from DNA sequences are discussed. Obstacles hindering the production of a meaningful, comprehensive data set for Apiaceae include: (1) the lack of comparable non-molecular phenetic data; (2) incomplete coverage of family accounts in recent Floras, particularly in the southern hemisphere; (3) large, artificial genera awaiting monographic treatment; and (4) the lack of database systems that handle differences in taxonomic opinion (alternative classifications). The use of electronic communication, particularly the Internet, can help to accelerate progress in these areas through promoting collaboration and information exchange. The contribution of the Apiales Resource Centre website (especially the umbellifer areas: www.umbellifers.com) is highlighted.