P. Mick Richardson, Ph.D. Honorary Adjunct Professor Biology Manager of Graduate Studies Missouri Botanical Garden Evolution, Ecology and Population Biology Program Plant Biology Program
Office Phone: 314-577-5176 Lab Phone: Other Phone: FAX: 314-577-0820 Box: Lab Address: Missouri Botanical Garden, P.O. Box 299 Email: mick.richardson@mobot.org Website: http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/webmo/mostaff.html#richardson Keywords: systemics; evolution; flavonoids; tannins; phylogenetics Short Research Description: Plant secondary compounds; taxonomy; cladistics; evolution of toxic compounds.
Research Abstract: My main research interest is the occurrence of secondary compounds, especially phenolic and terpene substances, in plants and the use of these compounds as taxonomic characters. In particular I am interested in flavonoids and tannins and their evolution within land plants. The use of cladistic methodology and the search for taxonomic congruence between chemical and other data sets are crucial if we are to understand the phylogenetic relationships of plants. Other interests include the role of secondary compounds in the interactions of plants with other organisms and the use of these substances by humans.
Selected Publications: Richardson, P. M. The chemistry of Labiatae: An introduction and overview. In: Harley, R.M.; Reynolds, T., editors. Advances in labiate science. Kew, U.K.: Royal Botanic Gardens; 1992. p. 291-297. Richardson, P.M. Structure, biosynthesis, evolution, and physiological and ecological roles of plant flavonoids and related compounds important in chemoprevention. In: Wattenberg, L.; Lipkin, M.; Boone, C.W.; Kelloff, G., editors. Cancer chemoprevention. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 1992. p. 353-360. Richardson PM. Flavonoid chemistry and the taxonomy of cycads. Memoirs New York Botanical Garden 1990 57:132-141. Campbell DG, Richardson PM, Rosas A. Field screening for allelopathy in tropical forest trees, particularly Duroia hirsuta, in the Brazilian Amazon. Biochem Syst Ecol 1989 17:403-407. Richardson PM. Flavonoids of the “fern allies.” Biochem Syst Ecol 1989 17:155-160.