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

摘要： 本文讨论了越桔属在杜鹃花科中的系统位置；报道了国产越桔属的已知种91种,归为15个组级类群，按组可划分为5个分布区类型；指出了本属植物在形态、习性上的变异趋向；并联系越桔亚科的分类与分布，讨论了本属区系起源问题，作出几点初步推论。

关键词: 越桔属, 形态变异, 分类论述, 地理分布, 区系起源