I study molecular evolution, systematics, biogeography and ecology at the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad. Our team is dedicated to conducting research in these areas and contributing to the understanding of the biodiversity of India using molecular tools. 

We focus on the biodiversity and ecology of the lesser-studied arid region of India, the Deccan Plateau. The vast region surrounding Hyderabad, which is in the dry area of the Deccan, has unique dry-adapted habitats, which are a host of highly diverse and critically endangered plants. We also aim to focus on the flora of Eastern Ghats, which harbours high diversity along the eastern stretch of India.

Apart from fieldwork involving morphological/ecological characterisation of flora, we emphasise using DNA sequence to understand this diversity. We use phylogenomics tools to understand the evolution of biodiversity and environmental adaptations of plants.

We look forward to understanding the species diversity and molecular evolution of these species. We focus population genetics of these rare and endangered plants. We are also interested in their pollination ecology and genome size.  Our long-term goal is to conserve the biodiversity of this area through scientific research.