Dr Mark Newman, Head of Section, Zingiberaceae Researcher
I’m convinced of the urgent need to document life on Earth at a time of very rapid loss of species and habitats, in order to keep as many species as possible for future generations to enjoy. Fieldwork and careful morphological study of herbarium collections continue, taking advantage of technical advances which greatly help to improve the utility and breadth of access of taxonomic results.
Taxonomy
My research examines the taxonomy of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae which, with over 50 genera and over 1,200 species, is by far the largest in the order Zingiberales. The Zingiberaceae are pan-tropical but with much richer diversity in Asia than in Africa or America. The last time they were revised was in 1904.
Current research
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A taxonomic revision of Globba in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam
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Revision of the circumscription of genera in the Zingiberaceae
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A taxonomic revision of the Zingiberaceae of the Solomon Islands, in collaboration with A.D. Poulsen & Osia Gideon
Floristics
Assistant Editor of the Flora of Thailand
I revise and edit taxonomic revisions for the Flora of Thailand, making them ready for publication.
Member of the editorial board, Flore du Cambodge, du Laos et du Viet Nam
I work with authors of revision for the Flora of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, and edit their work for publication.
Contact:
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
20A Inverleith Row
Edinburgh EH3 5LR
Scotland
Tel. +44 (0)131 552 7171
Fax +44 (0)131 248 2901