The goal of this project is to clarify the systematic position by detailed morphological and molecular studies of the genus Gunnera and its possible sister taxa. Phylogeny of Gunnera Several taxonomical studies of parts of the genus Gunnera have already been done. However, the phylogenetic relationships of the genus are still unknown. The goal of this project is to propose an hypothesis about the phylogeny of Gunnera based on both morphological and molecular studies. The genus Gunnera has an antarctic distribution.
Most species occur in South America and New Zealand.
Some species of Gunnera are however restricted to Australia, Hawaii, Africa and South-East Asia. Ecological and physiological relationships of the genus Gunnera Extensive research about the symbiosis between the genus Gunnera and the cyanobacteria of the genus Nostoc is being carried out at the Plant Physiology Department at Stockholm University.