The Plumbaginaceae are commonly divided into two subfamilies, the Staticioideae and the Plumbaginoideae. These groups are sometimes treated as two separate families. Recent molecular studies confirm this assumption. Based on this molecular phylogeny more genera will be analyzed. In addition other molecular marker systems will be included for further investigations within the family. With the background of the molecular data sets the families variety in morphological and physiological characters, especially in adaptation to the mostly dry or salt-influenced habitats, can be investigated in an evolutionary context. Plumbaginaceae are nearly worldwide distributed. Molecular data can also be helpful to explain their biogeography.

Key words: biodiversity, biogeography, molecular evolution, molecular systematics, Plumbaginaceae