Abstract: The genus Vaccinium has becn profoundly studied by Hermann Sleumer from the 40's of thc 20th century. Thc main purpose of this papcr is to (1 ) deal with the systcmatic position of the genus within family Ericdceae, (2 ) report the species of this genus in China, and (3 ) attempt explaining floristic origin and development. In order to show the systematic positiom, the classificatory viewpoints of the family Ericaceae have been descussed in the present paper. The subfamily Vaccinioideae is recognized as a representative advanccd taxa in pllylogenctic process of the Ericacceae. Basc upon the habit, habitat, and upon thc features of vegetative mass and propagative organ of this subfamily, therefore, it is appropriate that they are recognized as a subfamily but not as a family.

Key words: Vaccinium