Abstract: Morphological studies indicate that the family Cabombaceae possesses many primitive characters and experiences reduction in features during adaptation to aquatic environments. Recent phylogenetic analyses indicate that this family is one of the basalmost branches in extant angiosperms.The systematic position of Cabombaceae has been disputed for a long time. The origin and early diversification of angiosperms have long been hot issues attracting botanists. This paper reviews the research history and recent advances related to this family.