Combined phylogenetic analyses of gene sequences for 18S ribosomal RNA, rbcL, and atpB for over 400 species of angiosperms has yielded a well-resolved framework of angiosperm phylogeny. Many major clades received strong bootstrap support. The monosulcates form a grade at the base of the angiosperm tree. The eudicots form a clade; the lower eudicots include Proteaceae, Nelumbo, Platanus, Tetracentron, Trochodendron, and the ranunculids. The two largest clades of higher eudicots are the Asteridae s.l. and the Rosidae s.l. Smaller clades receiving strong support include the Caryophyllidae s.l., Saxifragales, Capparales, Malvales, Cornales, Ericales, and Asteridae s.s. This phylogenetic framework can contribute to a revised classification of the angiosperms.

Key words: angiosperm phylogeny, combined analysis, molecular data