In the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group classification of 2016 (PPG I), Gymnosphaera was left as a synonym of Alsophila, as evidence to support its reliable separation was lacking.

[2] More recently, Shi-Yong Dong and collaborators proposed the revival and recircumscription of the genus based on additional phylogenetic evidence,[3] an act subsequently accepted by other tree fern workers.

[4] As of January 2023[update], the following species are accepted in the genus as currently circumscribed by the Checklist of Ferns and Lycophytes of the World:[5] Phylogeny of Gymnosphaera[6][7] G. capensis (L.fil.)

G. olivacea (Brause) S.Y.Dong G. phlebodes (Lehnert & Coritico) S.Y.Dong G. baileyana (Domin) S.Y.Dong G. rebeccae (F.Muell.)

S.Y.Dong G. khasyana (T.Moore ex Kuhn) Ching G. lurida (Blume) S.Y.Dong G. denticulata (Baker) Copel.

G. metteniana (Hance) Tagawa G. andersonii (Scott ex Beddome) Ching & Wu G. glabra Blume Other species include: