-->Systematics (which includes taxonomy) involves the study of the range of kinds of organisms (diversity), their identification, naming, classification, and evolution, and of variation in organisms and the causes and consequences of this variation.
Our research interests are aspects of the recognising, recording and stewarding plant biodiversity. Some specific examples of current research are:- - systematics of the daisy family, Asteraceae (especially Cineraria and Senecio), the Acanthaceae (especially Barleria, Hypoestes, Peristrophe and Dicliptera), the Oliniaceae, and the Labiatae (especially Ocimum and Syncolostemon).
- molecular systematics using isozyme electrophoresis and DNA ?fingerprinting? techniques.
- breeding systems and their implications.
- floristics of serpentine (ultramafic, rich in heavy metals) soils.
- population biology of selected serpentine-endemic nickel hyperaccumulators.
- the Flora of the Witwatersrand.
- identification of woody species, particularly in the Gauteng province.
- ethnobotanical studies including the formulation of a risk-assessment model for taxa utilised in traditional medicines.
Recent research has resulted in the discovery and publication of a number of previously undescribed species of Barleria, Becium, Cineraria and Dicliptera; the formulation and publication of a new monographic infra-generic classification of Barleria which will soon come into use internationally; the publication of a revised generic concept for the cosmopolitan genus Senecio; the discovery of several serpentine-endemic species and hyperaccumulators of nickel and the discovery of a new breeding system in the genus Canthium.
The results of our research are thus of general importance in charting the botanical biodiversity of southern Africa and also have particular applications, such as the search for serpentine-endemic species suitable for rehabilitation of mine dumps and the biorecovery of metals from mine wastes and contaminated areas.
Public courses in plant identification help to increase awareness of our rich flora and the need to conserve these valuable resources. The herbarium is involved in collaboration at various levels with systematists and organisations around the globe. Staff interested in this area of research: - Professor Kevin Balkwill
- Mrs Glynis Goodman
- Mr Donald McCallum
- Mrs Rene?eddy
Postgraduate students: Post graduate students are listed below with links to details of their research. Ph.D - Glynis Goodman
- Rene?eddy
- Ramagwai Sebola
- Vivienne Williams
- Sandy Williamson
M.Sc - Dickson Kamundi
- Tsepang Makholela
- Donald McCallum
Facilities Much of the research is based in the C.E. Moss Herbarium. The herbarium has facilities for the storage and safe keeping of specimens and a library of taxonomic literature. It has state of the art computer facilities which include digital photography, colour scanning and printing and graphics software for preparing plates, posters and publications. A Nikon SMZ 1500 research stereo microscope with a DXM 1200 camera together with computer and C-imaging software is used to produce photographs, and to accurately measure specimens, or count structures. It is possible to produce a detailed image by joining images of different parts to form a complete picture. The systematics lab is equiped to extract, amplify and separate DNA, and has 2 apple computers for running phylogenic and DNA sequence analysis software. DNA sequencing is a powerful tool for elucidating relationships amoung organisms. |
