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Department of Experimental and Functional Morphology

Department of Experimental and Functional Morphology

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The main research interest of our team are constraints that plant morphology is constituting for plant ecological functions.  We test our ideas through manipulative experiments as well as using field assessments of plant traits and their distribution along environmental gradients. Our research focuses on (i) disentangling the diversity of root sprouting vigor using data on hormonal balance in roots and root anatomy; (ii) describing the economic spectrum of belowground coarse organs like rhizomes, thick roots, tubers, or bulbs and studying their persistence, anatomy, carbohydrate storage, and dry matter content; (iii) assessing which functional traits promote plant persistence in insular systems; (iv) examining disturbance responses by comparing clonal versus non-clonal plants; (v) investigating eco-physiological traits of aquatic carnivorous plants in relation to their growth, mineral nutrition, trap characteristics, and turion dormancy.  In our studies, we use plant morphology, anatomy, and ecophysiology. To increase awareness of plant morphology and anatomy, we provide guidance in the form of databases, handbooks, and courses.