The Gesnerioideae are a subfamily of plants in the family Gesneriaceae: based on the type genus Gesneria.

Although genera typically originate in the New World, some species have become widely distributed as ornamental plants.

[1][2] Burnett divided his circumscription of the family Gesneriaceae into "Besleridae" and "Gesneridae".

The latter was distinguished by having an inferior or semi-inferior ovary and the calyx adhering to the gynoecium ("germen").

[4] Since about 1997, phylogenetic studies, mostly based on molecular approaches, have resulted in major changes to the traditional taxonomy and classification of the family Gesneriaceae, at every level from genus upwards.