Department of Botany & Zoology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602 South Africa
 


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Contact details:

Department of Botany & Zoology
University of Stellenbosch
Private Bag X1
Matieland 7602
South Africa

Tel: +27 21 808-3070
Fax: +27 21 808-2405
E-mail: ld@sun.ac.za


  


DreyerProf. L.L. Dreyer (Associate Professor)

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Research interests:

  • Oxalis biosystematics
  • Protea-Ophiostomatoid fungi-arthropod interactions

    • I am mesmerized by the spectacular diversity and beauty of the Cape Flora The level of diversity achieved by a limited number of lineages in a very limited area is truly phenomenal, and merits further research. I have a very broad and fairly holistic interest in biology, and phylogenetic systematics offers me the opportunity to unite many of these interests into a logical framework.

    I study both DNA based phylogenetic reconstruction and the general biology (e.g. morphology, palynology, karyology and breeding systems) to reconstruct the evolution of a number of Cape lineages, including Oxalis, Zygophyllum, Heliophila, Serruria and Protea . This approach enables me to use phylogenetic pattern to gain insight into the evolution and adaptive significance of morphological, reproductive biological and ecological characters within the Cape environment. I am particularly interested in the evolution of alternative growth forms, the evolution and breakdown of the tristylous breeding system (in Oxalis ), the evolutionary significance of altered seedling recruitment strategies, the role of hybridization in driving the observed diversity and in mutualistic interactions between Fynbos plants, fungi and insects (e.g. in Protea ). Ultimately I wish to utilize the predictive value of such a holistic phylogenetic approach in setting conservation priorities.

    New bursaries available for 2011:

    FULLY FUNDED MSc PROJECTS FOR 2011:

     

     

    		  
    +27 21 808 2173