Table 2. Traditional characters evaluated for genera in the Nemaliales.
| Character | State 0 | State 1 | State 2 |
| 1. Axial construct | Uniaxial | Multiaxial | |
| 2. Calcification | Uncalcified | Calcified | |
| 3. Mature cystocarp | In horizontal filaments | In compact, spherical clumps | |
| 4. Life history | Isomorphic | Heteromorphic | Dimorphic |
| 5. Carpogonial branches | 3-5 celled | 8-10 celled | |
| 6. Carpogonial branch position | Borne laterally | Borne terminally | |
| 7. Sterile filaments assoc w/ gominoblast | Absent | Rare | Common |
| 8. Gamete production | Monoecious | Dioecious | |
9. Spermatangial organization |
In terminal patches | In bottle brushes | In pits |
| 10. Gonimoblast | Terminal | Short chains | All cells develop carpospores |
| 11. Gonimorhizoids | Absent | Present | |
| 12. Reproductive structures | Immersed in conceptacles | Other |