A classification of the Ericaceae: subfamilies and tribes

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Abstract

The variation shown by 60 characters (morphological, anatomical, embryological, chemical and cytological) is tabulated for the whole of the Ericaceae. The reliability of the characters and the observations on them are discussed, and it is emphasized that many characters are difficult to use because they are rarely restricted to one taxon. Six subfamilies are recognized. Within the Rhododendroideae seven tribes are recognized, the monogeneric Daboecieae being new;  Epigaea  is transferred to the Rhododendroideae from the Andromedeae and  Diplarche  from the Diapensiaceae.  Calluna  is placed in a new monotypic tribe within the Ericoideae. The extended Vaccinioideae includes the Arbutoideae; five tribes are recognized, of which the Enkiantheae and Cassiopeae are new. The Pyroloideae and Monotropoideae are left unchanged: a new subfamily, the Wittsteinioideae, includes the deviant monotypic genus  Wittsteinia.  A key to subfamilies, and to genera of the Pyroloideae, Rhododendroideae and superior-ovaried Vaccinioideae is given.
Original languageAmerican English
JournalBotanical Journal of the Linnean Society
Volume64
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1971

Disciplines

  • Life Sciences
  • Plant Sciences
  • Botany

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