Dr. Carlsward’s research interests incorporate techniques of plant anatomy and
molecular phylogenetics to study plant evolution. The primary goal of her research is to
generate reliable hypotheses of evolution and then use these phylogenies as a foundation
for studying character evolution of plant structure. Most of Dr. Carlsward’s research has
focused on orchids. She has worked extensively with the economically important Vanda
tribe, which includes species like the ghost orchid. 

Dr. Carlsward is currently working with Steve Manchester and Walter Judd (University of
Florida) on Assembling the Angiosperm Tree of Life Project. Using light and scanning
electron microscopy, she is specifically examining pollen and stamen characteristics
across all angiosperms to help discern relationships of several large, unresolved groups
(Saxifragales, Ericales, Lamiales, etc.). 

Other current projects include: 1) anatomy and molecular phylogenetics of the milkwort
family (Polygalaceae) in North America; 2) floristic inventory of Devil’s Hammock (Levy
County, Florida); 3) comparative anatomy and molecular systematics of the Sobralia
subtribe (Orchidaceae). 

Students interested in gaining hands-on experience with plant structure and evolutionary
questions should contact Dr. Carlsward. While her foci are anatomy and phylogenetics, Dr.
Carlsward also has experience with floristic projects as well as ethnobotany and could
direct graduate research with students interested in any of these fields.

Articles

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Angiosperm Phylogeny: 17 Genes, 640 Taxa (with Douglas E. Soltis, Steven A. Smith, Nico Cellinese, Kenneth J. Wurdack, David C. Tank, Samuel F. Brockington, Nancy F. Refulio-Rodriguez, Jay B. Walker, Michael J. Moore, Charles D. Bell, Maribeth Latvis, Sunny Crawley, Chelsea Black, Diaga Diouf, Zhenxiang Xi, Catherine A. Rushworth, Matthew A. Gitzendanner, Kenneth J. Sytsma, Yin-Long Qiu, Khidir W. Hilu, Charles C. Davis, Michael J. Sanderson, Reed S. Beaman, Richard G. Olmstead, Walter S. Judd, Michael S. Donoghue, and Pamela S. Soltis), American Journal of Botany (2011)

• Premise of the study : Recent analyses employing up to fi ve genes have...

 

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Molecular Phylogenetics of Vandeae (Orchidaceae) and the Evolution of Leaflessness (with W. Mark Whitten, Norris H. Williams, and Benny Bytebier), American Journal of Botany (2006)

Members of tribe Vandeae (Orchidaceae) form a large, antropical clade of horticulturally important epiphytes. Monopodial...

 

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Molecular Phylogenetics of Neotropical Leafless Angraecinae (Orchidaceae): Re-Evaluation of Generic Concepts (with W. Mark Whitten and Morris H. Williams), International Journal of Plant Science (2003)

Phylogenetic relationships of leafless Neotropical Angraecinae (Dendrophylax Rchb.f., Harrisella Fawc. & Rendle, Polyradicion Garay, and...