International Study Maps Extensive 'Tree of Life' for Flowering Plants

Led by the Royal Botanic Gardens, the study analyzed genetic data from over 9,500 species, offering new insights into plant evolution and conservation.

Researchers from 138 organizations collaborated to create a detailed phylogenetic tree for flowering plants, covering 64 orders and 416 families.
The study, published in Nature, utilized ancient and modern DNA to trace the evolutionary history of angiosperms, dating back 140 million years.
Heidelberg University contributed significantly, utilizing their extensive botanical collections and research on cruciferous plants.
The 'Tree of Life' project aims to refine plant classification, discover new medicinal compounds, and aid conservation efforts amid climate change.
This comprehensive genetic analysis provides new perspectives on the dominance and diversification of flowering plants on Earth.