Myrtaceae
SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS (2001-2005)
- World Checklist and Bibliography of the Myrtaceae available online following review by an international team of Myrtaceae specialists during a workshop hosted at Kew
- First molecular survey of tribe Myrteae and subtribe Myrciinae published (c. 90 species representing c. 30 genera)
- Approximately 200 targeted Myrtaceae collections made in the Neotropics including material for molecular analysis. Collaborative work on Myrteae phylogeny has provided over 190 new Myrtaceae samples to the Kew DNA bank and in excess of 600 new Myrteae sequences.
- Over 8,000 Myrtaceae specimens databased including c. 6,000 Myrciinae specimens databased and fully georeferenced
- Myrtaceae account of Flora of Tropical East Africa published
- New genus Algrizea published, including IUCN conservation assessment
- Obtained profiles of phenolics from 268 species representing 110 genera in the Myrtaceae
- All species of Myrtaceae growing in the living collections at Kew screened for anti-insect activity
KEY ELEMENTS OF FUTURE PLANS (2006 onwards)
- Edit and maintain the World Checklist and Bibliography of the Myrtaceae with eventual publication as hardcopy
- Continue to publish Myrteae and Myrciinae phylogenetic, evolutionary and biogeographical hypotheses in high impact factor journals, including a generic/infrageneric revision of subtribe Myrciinae
- Continue multi-disciplinary approach to Myrtaceae systematics, targeting tribe Myrteae and including macromorphology, micromorphology, geographical information systems and biogeography, anatomy, embryology, reproductive biology, molecular systematics, and phytochemistry
- Publish Gomidesia and Myrcia s.l. accounts for Flora Neotropica, including IUCN conservation assessments. Coordinate Flora of Guianas Myrtaceae and prepare Calyptranthes treatment for this series.
- Continue targeted collection of Myrtaceae, Myrteae and Myrciinae to enhance the herbarium collection, including material for molecular analysis
- Publish reviews of Chamelaucieae and Myrteae wood anatomy in conjunction with the publication of volume 5 of The Anatomy of the Dicots (Myrtales)
- Publish the results of studying the distribution of phenolics and polyhydroxy alkaloids in the Myrtaceae
- Study the chemistry of species of Myrtaceae available at Kew that are traditionally used to treat diabetes and tuberculosis
- Continue to study the quality of extracts of species of Myrtaceae entering the trade for use in commodities such as cosmetics and herbal medicines
- Seek funding for further systematic, biogeographical and conservation projects on Myrteae and Myrciinae s.l.