An extensive database of predominantly morphological characters has be
en assembled for the family Epacridaceae. Problems of homology across
the family and its outgroups were encountered for several characters.
A phylogenetic analysis, using only those characters for which we were
fairly confident of our assessment of homology, was undertaken to est
ablish broad relationships within the family as a basis for a re-asses
sment of the supra-generic classification. The resultant phylogeny is
weakly resolved and lacks robustness in the basal clades. Previous cla
ssifications of the family are assessed in the light of this analysis,
and an alternative arrangement of four tribes is proposed. (C) 1996 A
nnals of Botany Company