Research on Juncus rushes

With about 50 species, Juncus is one of Aotearoa’s biggest genera of vascular plants. Over half of these species are weedy introductions. Native and exotic species ecologically dominate many wetter terrestrial environments. Despite this prominence, their phylogeny has been neglected.

We are generating DNA sequences to check whether identifications are correct, particularly for exotic species, and to provide a reference database for eDNA (environmental DNA) sampling.

Researchers: Leon Perrie and Lara Shepherd of Te Papa; Paul Champion of NIWA.