Research Training Program

David Cameron
Pepperdine University
Malibu, California

Dr. Robert Faden, Ph.D.
Supervising Scientist
Department of Botany

"The Research Training Program is unmatched in its excellence. My experience
here has made a permanent impact on my future in science."

A New Species of Cyanotis (Commelinaceae) from Africa

The genus Cyanotis (No common name) is a member of the plant family Commelinaceae, which includes the spiderworts and dayflowers. There are about 50 species of Cyanotis located mainly in the Old World. Members of the genus exhibit a wide array of characteristics. Cyanotis is characterized by succulent leaves that have great water storage capacity and by small, usually blue to violet flowers with fused petals and six deeply bearded stamens. Species of Cyanotis occur mainly in dry habitats, but a few grow in forests or are aquatic. For this research living plant material was obtained from the Smithsonian Institution Botany Research Greenhouse and dried material along with liquid preserved material was examined from the United States National Herbarium. Comparative morphology and anatomy was studied on the specimens of three related species from eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. One of them was confirmed as a new species with two geographically separate subspecies. This species is described for the first time. Conservation of species can only be done when the species themselves and their variation and distribution are understood. Basic studies of species, using traditional methods, provide that information.

This research was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program, Award Number DBI 9820303.

Letter of Gratitude