Bryophytes
We are an international centre of expertise for bryophytes, the highly diverse and often neglected group of land plants that encompasses the mosses, liverworts and hornworts and is particularly well-represented in Scotland.
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Bryophytes are surprisingly unfamiliar plants that have taken a distinct ecological path, characterised by small size and equilibration with, rather than resistance to, environmental stresses such as the availability of water.
In collaboration with conservation agencies and specialist societies our research characterises the taxonomic and ecological diversity of Scotland’s spectacular bryophyte flora, which includes internationally rare oceanic habitats such as temperate rainforest and montane wet heath. We also conduct globally-focused research on the taxonomy and evolution of particular groups of bryophytes for which we have in-house expertise.
Key contact: Dr Neil Bell