The subfamily taxonomy represented the taxonomic uncertainty of Donatia, which had at one point also been placed in the Saxifragaceae. Donatia differs sufficiently from the genera in the Stylidiaceae in that it has free stamens and petals, paracytic stomata, and a pollen morphology distinct from the other genera.
The subfamily taxonomy provided insight into the taxonomic debates surrounding Donatia, which had also been linked to the Saxifragaceae family in the past. A closer examination reveals that Donatia diverges from the Stylidiaceae genera primarily due to its distinctive floral characteristics and pollen structure.