Historically, the generic classification of the Caryophyllaceae has relied heavily on the presence or absence of stipules, the fusion or otherwise of the sepals, and the form of the fruit, particularly whether indehiscent or capsular, and if the latter, whether dehiscence is by as many teeth or valves as styles, or by twice as many. Morphological and molecular studies have shown that in many cases these morphological features do appear to involve early synapomorphies, but in other situations may not. The implications of recent studies for generic delimitation and inter-relationships in the family will be discussed, particularly in relation to genera traditionally included in the subfamily Alsinoideae.

Key words: Alsinoideae, Caryophyllaceae, classification, nomenclature