Phylogenetic relationships of epacrids and vaccinioids (Ericaceae s. l.) based on matK sequence data

Cladistic relationships of epacrids and vaccinioids (Ericaceae) are investigated using nucleotide sequence data from the chloroplast encoded matK gene. Sequences of 56 taxa were aligned and analyzed using parsimony methods. Results show that Vaccinioideae as currently recognized are not monophyletic. The epacrids are sister to a clade that includes the Lyonia group, the Gaultheria group, and the Vaccinieae. Arbutus and Pyrola branch early in Ericaceae, before the rhododenroid group. Enkianthus is sister to the remaining Ericaceae (including Epacridaceae). Vaccinieae are strongly supported as monophyletic, but Vaccinium and Agapetes are polyphyletic.