Research Training Program

Larry Kelly
California State Polytechnic University
San Luis Obispo, CA

Vicki Funk, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Department of Botany

"It's great how the project can adapt to the experience level of the intern."

Compositae of the Guianas

This project involved work on the flora of the Guianas project. The treatment for the tribe Tageteae was the focus. This involved finding out which species are present in the Guianas. Studying the collections, and from this, generating descriptions, keys, and distributions for the taxa were involved. The synonomy, ecology, and taxonomic problems that were pertinent were also examined. At this point, it appears as though there are six taxa of Tageteae that are part of the Guiana flora. Descriptions were written for three species of Pectis, one species of Porophyllum, one species of Tagetes, a generic description for each of the three genera, and ultimately a description for the tribe. The distributions were recorded for the species, genera, and tribe within and beyond the Guianas. Along with this, comments were made on possible taxonomic problems of Toerecta, and varieties of Porophyllum ruderale in this treatment. Keys have been written for the identification of the taxa involved.

This research was supported by a grant from the Educational Outreach Fund.