Dr Michael Sundue

Dr Michael Sundue, Integrative Taxonomist

I specialize in the systematics, evolution, and ecology of ferns and lycophytes, with a research focus spanning both the Neotropics and tropical Asia. I integrate fieldwork, taxonomy, molecular phylogenetics, and paleobotany to understand patterns of diversity and evolution. Much of this has been the integration of morphology into phylogenetic studies to revise the circumscription of genera and provide hypotheses about evolution. Current topics include the biogeography of austral lineages, co-evolution of ferns and their fungal symbionts, and the evolution of epiphytes.

Geographically, my current focus is in tropical Asia where I have conducted extensive fieldwork including Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, and the Philippines. I also maintain strong interests in the Neotropics. In Colombia, I lead a major NSF-funded initiative to advance the documentation and understanding of the country’s fern diversity. This project, Ferns of Colombia (FOCO), has generated extensive field collections, trained local botanists, and contributed to taxonomic revisions. 

Beyond my research, I curate Ferns of the World, an online resource hosting high-quality images and data on fern diversity. The site hosts herbarium-vouchered field photos of over 10% of the world's fern species, including rare and newly described taxa. Through this platform and my broader scientific work, I aim to enhance global understanding of fern systematics and the evolutionary history of these ecologically significant plants.

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Contact: msundue@rbge.org.uk

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