A cladistic analysis of the Physciaceae, based on morphological and chemical data, is presented. In the resulting phylogenetic reconstruction two major clades are formed, one containing the foliose genera (Anaptychia, Dirinana, Heterodermia, Hyperphyscia, Physcia, Phaeophyscia, Physconia, Pyxine) and the fruticose Tornabea and the other containing the remaining, mainly crustose genera. Rinodina appears as paraphyletic with representatives both at the base of the tree, at the same level as the two major clades and at the base of the crustose clade. Also Mobergia has a basal position. The characters used and their distribution in the phylogenetic trees are discussed as well as their significance for the identification of monophyletic groups. The history of the family is also briefly hinted at and characters of importance for the recognition of new genera are surveyed. Relevant publications and the variation in secondary chemistry are presented in tables.