Current research
CYCAD DIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
This project leverages the latest molecular genomic techniques for conservation of the cycads, which are the most endangered group of plants alive today.
Cycas (Cycadaceae) is the most diverse and widespread of all the cycad genera, and all Cycas species in Australia are endemic with one-quarter of these endangered or vulnerable.
The overarching goal is to provide genetic data for conservation.
This project aims to: identify the most genetically diverse populations and target these populations for in situ conservation; and determine if ex situ collections sufficiently represent the genetic diversity in the wild.
This project leverages the latest molecular genomic techniques for conservation of the cycads, which are the most endangered group of plants alive today.
Cycas (Cycadaceae) is the most diverse and widespread of all the cycad genera, and all Cycas species in Australia are endemic with one-quarter of these endangered or vulnerable.
The overarching goal is to provide genetic data for conservation.
This project aims to: identify the most genetically diverse populations and target these populations for in situ conservation; and determine if ex situ collections sufficiently represent the genetic diversity in the wild.
FERN DIVERSITY AND ENDEMISM
Ferns are the second most diverse group of plants in Australia, after angiosperms. They have a wide range of habitat preferences and are widely distributed, thus they are an ideal group for understanding diversity and endemism. In this study, diversity and endemism were assessed across Australia using standard taxon-based metrics and phylogenetic indices.
Results from this research and a similar conifer project are being presented at the Botanical Society of America meeting:
Ferns are the second most diverse group of plants in Australia, after angiosperms. They have a wide range of habitat preferences and are widely distributed, thus they are an ideal group for understanding diversity and endemism. In this study, diversity and endemism were assessed across Australia using standard taxon-based metrics and phylogenetic indices.
Results from this research and a similar conifer project are being presented at the Botanical Society of America meeting:
