Plant Biosystematics Research
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New Zealand has a unique and diverse indigenous flora and an ever-increasing introduced flora. This programme will increase knowledge and understanding of the biosystematics of both floras by applying a wide range of taxonomic techniques including the newer methodologies of cladistics and molecular biology. Relationships between species, genera, and families will be clarified. This will lead to improved classification essential for the effective use, management, and protection of our flora.
New keys and descriptions will provide accurate identification and allow reliable access to information. Better knowledge of seeds, anatomy, and chromosome numbers produced by this programme will provide tools useful in other research areas such as vegetation history, archaeology, and forensic science.
Plant biosystematic information is published in Flora of New Zealand volumes, monographs, and research papers, which support agencies working with poisonous plants, weeds, conservation, forensics, and biological research. Plant collections and supporting databases provide an underlying basis of knowledge of New Zealand's flora, thereby contributing to both research and an understanding of biological diversity and the sustainability of New Zealand's ecosystem processes. This research programme is funded by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology.
The following is a staff list for the Biosystematics of New Zealand Plants research programme.
Research
Dr Ilse Breitwieser (Systematic research on New Zealand angiosperms, especially
Asteraceae)
Jane Cruickshank (Database Administrator)
Murray Dawson (Research assistance cytotaxonomy and molecular systematics)
Dr Allan Fife (Systematic research on New
Zealand bryophytes)
Kerry Ford (Curation, Systematic research assistance on New Zealand angiosperms)
Dr David Galloway (Systematic research on New Zealand lichens)
Sue Gibb (Curation, cryptogams)
Dr David Glenny (Systematic research on New Zealand hepatics and angiosperms,
especially Gentianaceae and Apiaceae)
Dr Peter Heenan (Systematic research on New Zealand angiosperms, especially
Fabaceae, Brassicaceae, and naturalised plants)
Mary Korver (Curatorial assistance; loans)
Vaughan Myers (research assistance: SEM and TEM, anatomy)
Dr Phil Novis (Systematic research on freshwater algae)
Debby Redmond (Curatorial assistance; data entry)
Dr Ines Schönberger (Curation, dicotyledons; Plant Identification and Information Service)
Dr Rob Smissen (Molecular systematics research on New Zealand plants)
Rebecca Wagstaff (Plant illustration)
Dr Steve Wagstaff (Molecular systematic research on New Zealand plants)
Dr Colin Webb (Seed Atlas)
Dr Aaron Wilton (Systematic research on New Zealand monocotyledons, especially Luzula (Juncaceae), and biodiversity informatics)
More detailed Contact information is available.
Allan Herbarium and associated databases
Herbarium Director: Dr Ilse BreitwieserHerbarium Manager: Dr Aaron Wilton
Database Manager: Dr Aaron Wilton
Database Administrator: Jane Cruickshank
Plant Information Register: Ines Schönberger
Curation: Ines Schönberger, Kerry Ford, Sue Gibb
Curatorial assistance: Mary Korver, Debby Redmond
Scientific curation, enquiries and plant identifications:
Dr Ilse Breitwieser, Dr Allan Fife, Dr David Galloway, David Glenny, Dr
Peter Heenan, Dr Phil Novis, Dr Rob Smissen, Dr Steve Wagstaff, Dr Aaron Wilton.
Friends of the Herbarium:
Daphne Banks, Ngarita Johnstone, Jean McCallion, Elisabeth Ross.
Research associates:
Dr Jessica Beever, Dr Vivienne Cassie-Cooper, Dr Henry Connor, Dr David Drury, Dr Betty Flint, Dr Eric Godley, Bryony Macmillan, Dr Brian Molloy,
Bill Sykes, Dr Colin Webb, Hugh Wilson.