ABSTRACT
Shrubs or subshrubs widely distributed, especially in the temperate and cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere. These plants are mainly found in mountainous areas and have simple leaves without stipules. The leaves are entire, often persistent, arranged alternately, opposite, or in verticils. The hermaphrodite flowers, actinomorphic, of 4–5 type, gamosepalous and gamopetalous, are solitary or grouped in racemose inflorescences. The calyx and corolla are persistent, with petals brightly colored (sometimes deciduous). The corolla is cylindrical, urceolate, or campanulate, rarely dialypetalous. The stamens are double in number compared to petals, arranged on the edge of the receptacle, and have anthers that open through pores located at the tip. The flowers have a well-developed interstaminal disk and a superior gynoecium (in Vaccinium and Oxycoccus, an inferior gynoecium), with a multi-locular and multi-ovulate ovary. Placentation is central. The fruit is a berry, drupe, or capsule. The family is divided into three subfamilies: Ericoideae, Arbutoideae, and Rhododendroideae. 1 - 4
