Richard A. White, University Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Botany
Studies in my laboratory are focused on the development and systematic anatomy/morphology of vascular plants, especially pteridophytes. Research activity is primarily concerned with the patterns of initiation, differentiation and maturation of vascular tissues in shoots of ferns, and their bearing on concepts of vascular organization. In particular, we have emphasized studies of the significant variation in the relationship between the phyllotactic arrangement of leaves on the shoot and the development of protoxylem and metaxylem in the stem. Current investigation of the systematic anatomy of the shoots of tree ferns (Cyatheaceae, Dicksoniaceae and allied genera), have resulted in a published description of a new genus in this group. Methods used include culture of gametophytes, histological sectioning techniques, TEM and SEM techniques and cine photography for reconstruction of the often complicated vascular structures in the shoots.
Education:
Ph.D., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1962
M.A., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1960
M.Sc.Eng., Temple University, 1957
B.S., Temple University, 1957
Office Location: 046 Bio Sci Bldg, Durham, NC 27708
Office Phone: +1 919 660 7305
Email Address: rwhite@duke.edu
Specialties:
Systematics
Organismal Biology and Behavior
Research Categories: Comparative anatomy of vascular plants
Research Description: Studies in my laboratory are focused on the development and systematic anatomy/morphology of vascular plants, especially pteridophytes. Research activity is primarily concerned with the patterns of initiation, differentiation and maturation of vascular tissues in shoots of ferns, and their bearing on concepts of vascular organization. In particular, we have emphasized studies of the significant variation in the relationship between the phyllotactic arrangement of leaves on the shoot and the development of protoxylem and metaxylem in the stem. Current investigation of the systematic anatomy of the shoots of tree ferns (Cyatheaceae, Dicksoniaceae and allied genera), have resulted in a published description of a new genus in this group. Methods used include culture of gametophytes, histological sectioning techniques, TEM and SEM techniques and cine photography for reconstruction of the often complicated vascular structures in the shoots.
Recent Publications (search)
- R.A. White, YJ Qui and MD Turner, The morphology of Metaxya rostrata (HBK.) Presl (Filicales: Metaxyaceae)., Amer. Jour. Bot., vol. 82 (1995), pp. 969-981 .