Collaborative Research: REVSYS: A revision of the sectional classification of Columnea (Gesneriaceae) and the species of section Ortholoma

本计画将探讨具魅力的热带植物柱属的物种分类学。该属的成员由蜂鸟授粉，是中美洲和南美洲大多数云雾森林的重要组成部分。大多数物种的鉴定是困难的，甚至是不可能的，即使是已经命名的物种，因为没有统一的治疗。该项目将创建一个统一的分类处理，汇集了插图，描述，用于识别物种的工具，照片和分布图-以印刷品和在线方式提供给所有人。将使用DNA序列作为揭示定义分类组的特征的手段来产生整个属的修订分类。 将向许多本科生和一名研究生提供培训。学生将学习系统学研究的各个方面，从制定假设和实地考察到在会议上展示结果。他们的培训和教育将是本提案的一个组成部分，并有助于培训下一代植物系统学家。 研究结果将通过发表论文和开发该属的网络资源向科学界和公众展示。

This project will investigate the taxonomy of species from the charismatic tropical plant genus Columnea. Members of this genus are pollinated by hummingbirds, and are a conspicuous component of most cloud forests in Central and South America. Identification of most species is difficult to impossible even for the species that are already named since there is no unified treatment. This project will create a unified taxonomic treatment that brings together illustrations, descriptions, tools for identifying species, photographs, and distribution maps - provided both in print and via on-line access to all. A revised classification for the entire genus will be generated using DNA sequences as a means of uncovering traits that define taxonomic groups. Training will be provided to numerous undergraduates and one graduate student. Students will learn all aspects of systematics research from formulating hypotheses and fieldwork to presenting results at meetings. Their training and education will be an integral part of this proposal and contribute toward training the next generation of plant systematists. The results will be presented to both the scientific community and to the general public by publishing papers and developing web-based resources for the genus.