Ericoideae is a subfamily of Ericaceae, containing sixteen genera, and 1,790 species, the largest of which is Rhododendron, followed by Erica. The Ericoideae bear spiral leaves with flat laminae. The pedicel is articulated and the flowers are pendulous or erect, and monosymmetric, with an abaxial median sepal. The carpels are free and the anthers lack appendages. The capsule is septicidal.