With the exception of the more distinct Bruce's Green-pigeon (Treron waalia), the green-pigeons of African mainland and islands form a closely related group, within which species limits have been much debated. Present species of Madagascar has often been considered conspecific with African Green-pigeon (Treron calvus) of the mainland. However, based on differences in cere colour and on geographical separation of forms, it seems most appropriate to consider present species as forming a superspecies with African Green-pigeon (Treron calvus), Pemba Green-pigeon (Treron pembaensis) and Sao Tome Green-pigeon (Treron sanctithomae).
The following 3 subspecies are recognised:
griveaudi (Linnaeus, 1771) - Mwali (Moheli) in Comoro Is; in past, probably also on Ngazidja (Grand Comoro) and Ndzuani (Anjouan). Considered by some authors to be a distinct species, Comoro Green-pigeon (Treron griveaudi).
xenius Salomonsen, 1934 - Western Madagascar.
australis (Linnaeus, 1771) - Madagascar east of the high plateau.