In this study we will check the phylogenetic relationships
among the different families of the Ericales sensu APG (1998)
on the basis of floral ontogenetic observations of representati-
ves of the group. Because the proposed classification is based on
molecular data only, a morphological study is needed to confirm
the molecular results. Light and scanning electron microscopic
observations will lead to ontogenetic descriptions of some spe-
cies of a whole range of genera from the newly defined Ericales.
The main genera will be chosen from families of the Cornidae, as
defined by Smets. However, the group will be extended with other
families that belong to the Ericales, according to the macro-
molecular data of APG. This will result in the understanding of
the morphological relationships between the representatives of
the Ericales sensu APG and so we will be able to combine and
compare our results with the existing macromolecular data.