Dr Robert McKenzie

Research Fellow in the Department of Plant Sciences

T: +27 76 461 6509

E: robt.mckenzie@gmail.com, MckenzieRJ@ufs.ac.za

Research:

My research is focused on the large and highly diverse plant family Asteraceae. I am particularly interested in projects studying the systematics, phylogenetic relationships, reproductive biology, historical biogeography, and impacts of climate change. I am currently working on taxonomic revisions of the subtribe Arctotidinae (Arctotis and related genera) and species groups within Berkheya and Gazania (subtribe Gorteriinae), as well as resolving the phylogenetic relationships and tribal affinities of the small Cape-endemic genus Heterolepis.

This research combines morphology-based techniques, genetic analytical tools, fieldwork and herbarium-based observations. Among Southern African Asteraceae, montane taxa are poorly studied in the field and much multidisciplinary research is required to inform their ecology, reproductive biology, and adaptability to anthropogenic pressures and environmental change.

I was formerly the publishing editor for five scientific journals (African Journal of Range and Forage Science, African Zoology, Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology, South African Journal of Plant and Soil, and Southern Forests: a Journal of Forest Science). I am currently an independent scientific editor and English language editor of plant science research, particularly in the fields of systematics, phylogenetics, evolution, molecular biology, genetics, agriculture, horticulture, developmental biology, anatomy, pollination biology, and related fields.