Based on both morphological and molecular characters, Rubiaceae has been divided into three subfamilies - Ixoroideae, Cinchonoideae, and Rubioideae.

[1] Members of Ixoroideae are morphologically diverse so no shared derived characters have been established for its classification.

Introduction of molecular analyses to systematics dramatically improved tribal classification within the subfamily.

[2] Present tribal classification within this subfamily is mainly supported through molecular analysis of chloroplast DNA.

Well-known genera within the subfamily include Ixora and Gardenia, both popular ornamentals, but economic value is centered on the genus Coffea, cultivated for coffee production.