Cryptogams encompass fungi, algae, and plants without seeds, including ferns and bryophytes.
Scotland is a European hotspot for cryptogam diversity, with c. 60% and 40% of European bryophyte and lichen species, including globally-rare assemblages in oceanic habitats such as temperate rainforest and liverwort heath. We link our discovery science with conservation, by targeting research to policy effectiveness, including the identification of ecologically important or priority groups and biodiversity of threatened habitats. Our biology of speciation in diatoms provides an accurate taxonomy and foundation for the molecular detection of environmental indicator species.
Staff: Dr. Neil Bell, Dr Nathan Chrismas, Dr Rebecca Yahr