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Polyploidy, hybridization, and plant evolution
We ask how interspecific, and even intergeneric, hybridization and with polyploidy contribute to diversification in the Drakensberg plant genus, Rhodohypoxis. We do this by conducting greenhouse crossing experiments, working with researchers at the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew to identify different ploidy-levels, and characterising gene flow between natural populations. In the future, we aim to investigate the genetics that underlie successful hybridization events, and to test whether there are incompatible loci that prevent some hybridizations from being successful. |
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Flower color polymorphisms in mountain endemic plants
We use molecular approaches, field surveys, and greenhouse experiments to better understand how the flower color polymorphisms are maintained in natural populations. We also aim to better understand what role these polymorphisms might have played in shaping the divergence of the R. baurii varieties. |
Baobab reproductive biology – The Great Fruit Disparity
An unresolved mystery of African baobabs is that there is a fruit production disparity. Across mainland Africa, some trees are known as 'males' and produce little to no fruit each year, while other trees are deemed 'females' and produce hundreds of fruits in a season. In collaboration with Prof Ed Witkowski, Prof Glynis Cron, and Dr Sarah Venter, we study 40 trees in the Limpopo Province to better understand the reasons behind this fruit disparity. Anastashia Chetty (MSc student) spent a month in Venda in the trees and has some exciting findings about the baobab flowers. Watch this space!
An unresolved mystery of African baobabs is that there is a fruit production disparity. Across mainland Africa, some trees are known as 'males' and produce little to no fruit each year, while other trees are deemed 'females' and produce hundreds of fruits in a season. In collaboration with Prof Ed Witkowski, Prof Glynis Cron, and Dr Sarah Venter, we study 40 trees in the Limpopo Province to better understand the reasons behind this fruit disparity. Anastashia Chetty (MSc student) spent a month in Venda in the trees and has some exciting findings about the baobab flowers. Watch this space!
