The phylogenetic position of the Ranunculaceae within the angiosperms is inferred based on published rbcL (the large subunit of ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase gene) sequences (1,428 bp). A total of 54 sequences, including 19 sequences from the order Ranunculales, is analyzed. The data set is analyzed using distance and discrete character methods to infer phylogenetic relationships among the included taxa. Although limited by small sample size, the result suggests that there are three major lineages within the angiosperms. The Ranunculaceae belongs to a lineage including the Ranunculales, Papaverales and eudicots. Within the order Ranunculales (excluding Sargentodoxaceae, Coriariaceae, and Sabiaceae), a sister group relationship between the Ranunculaceae and the Berberidaceae is topologically supported. In addition, inclusion of two controversial genera, Glaucidium and Hydrastis, within the Ranunculaceae is clearly supported.
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