Welcome to Elliot Gardner's Research Site

Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Case Western Reserve University

Research in Plant Systematics, from phylogenomics to pollination biology and beyond

I am an evolutionary biologist and a botanist who specializes in plant systematics. I use taxonomy and phylogenetics as a framework for a multidisplinary array of research tools, including genomics, pollination biology, and ethnobotany.

My research focuses on the evolution and classification of tropical plants, especially the mulberry family (Moraceae), which I have studied for over ten years.  Current projects include phylogenomic and revisionary work in Artocarpus, Ficus, and the tribe Moreae; the convergent evolution of tiny-flower insect pollination in the mulberry (Moraceae), oak (Fagaceae), and palm (Palmae) families; and the evolution of floral scent in Orchidantha (Lowiaceae, Zingiberales).

I am now recuiting students to join my lab. Please contact me if you are interested! 

Please explore this site to learn more about my research interests, and publications. If you have further questions or are intersted in collaborating, please  contact me.