The current project aims to study the phylogeny, morphology and biogeography of the genus Spermacoce by integration of herbarium taxonomy with molecular systematics. Spermacoce belongs to the family Rubiaceae comprising an estimated number of 275, mainly herbaceous, species. The main aim implies the realization of five - partly independent - objectives, with a strong interaction between each of them: (1) further elucidation of the relation- ships between Spermacoce and its closest relatives; (2) revision of the Spermacoce species from Africa and Austral-Asia; (3) fur- ther morphological and anatomical documentation of Spermacoce; (4) study of the reproductive biology of the Australian species, and (5) compiling the biogeographic history of Spermacoce. The results of this research project will provide us a better insight in the evolution, radiation and diversification of herba- ceous tropical plants.