The vagans clade and the Cryptanthus subg. Hoplocryptanthus clade possess an interesting long caulescent habit due to the elongation of the vegetative stem bearing the sessile inflorescence, characterizing probably an intermediate stage in the evolution of Orthophytum. Although three of four species included in the vagans clade have sessile inflorescences and one pedunculate, all are composed of congested spikes of glomerules. The same inflorescence branching type is found in the next diverging mello-barretoi clade. Moreover, O. pseudovagans, O. vagans and O. zanoni have petals with obtuse-cucullate apices, only present in these two clades, reinforcing the hypothesis of a clade with intermediate features.