In 2006, a molecular phylogenetic study showed that Tremandraceae is embedded in Elaeocarpaceae. Recognizing Tremandraceae as a separate family would make Elaeocarpaceae paraphyletic.
The 2006 molecular phylogenetic study indicated that Tremandraceae is part of the Elaeocarpaceae family, but if it were classified as its own family, it would make Elaeocarpaceae a non-inclusive group.