Plant systematics
New Zealand has a unique and diverse indigenous flora and an ever–increasing naturalised flora.
Research increases knowledge and understanding of indigenous and naturalised species by applying a wide range of traditional systematic research methods as well as phylogenetics and molecular biology. Relationships between species, genera, and families are clarified. This leads to improved classification essential for the effective use, management, and protection of our flora.
New keys and descriptions provide accurate identification and allow reliable access to information. Better knowledge of seeds, anatomy, morphology and chromosome numbers provide information useful in other research areas such as the study of vegetation history, poisonous plants, weeds, conservation, archaeology, and forensic science.
Plant systematic information is published in monographs and research papers and these publications form the basis of new and updated Flora of New Zealand volumes and the eFlora.