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Porter P. Lowry II, Ph.D. Porter P. Lowry II, Ph.D.
Curator and Head of Africa & Madagascar

Research Associate, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
Honorary Research Associate, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis

St. Louis address:
office phone: + 1 (314) 577-9453
fax: + 1 (314) 577-9596
email: pete.lowry@mobot.org

Missouri Botanical Garden
P.O. Box 299
St. Louis, MO 63166-0299
USA

Paris address:
Département Systématique et Evolution
Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle
Case Postale 39
57 rue Cuvier
75231 Paris CEDEX 05
France
office phone: 33-1-40-79-33-51
fax: 33-1-40-79-33-42
email: lowry@mnhn.fr

Education
Ph.D., Washington University, St. Louis, 1986
M.S., University of Illinois, 1982
B.S., University of Illinois, 1978
Systematics of Apiales (Araliaceae, Myodocarpaceae, Pittosporaceae) – taxonomy, phylogeny, biogeography, morphology, breeding systems Flora and vegetation of Madagascar Flora and vegetation of New CaledoniaApplication of taxonomic information to conservation planning and management
For Dr. Lowry's complete CV with list of publications, click here (Adobe Acrobat Reader required).
Research Emphases Taxonomy of Araliaceae. Floristic treatments: New Caledonia, Madagascar, Gabon; revisions: Polyscias, Schefflera sensu lato (with D. G. Frodin, G. M. Plunkett and others), Meryta (with F. Tronchet), etc. Phylogeny of Araliaceae: relationships within expanded Polyscias and the clades comprising Schefflera sensu lato; analysis of basally branching lineages, relationships within Araliaceae and Apiales (with G. M. Plunkett and others) Flora of Madagascar: revisions of selected genera; assessment of conservation status (with G. E. Schatz, P. B. Phillipson, M. W. Callmander, and others) Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of Madagascar (with G. E. Schatz, P. B. Phillipson and others) Flora of New Caledonia: taxonomic revisions of various groups; phylogeny and biogeography of Sapindaceae (with S. Buerki, J. Munzinger and M. Callmander); inventory of poorly collected areas (with J. Munzinger and others)

Selected Publications Aubriot, X., P. P. Lowry II, C. Cruaud, A. Couloux and T. Haevermans. 2013. DNA barcoding in a biodiversity hotspot: potential value for the identification of Malagasy Euphorbia L. listed in CITES Appendices I and II. Mol. Ecol. Resources 13: 57–65. Lŷ, N.-S., C. K. Lê., T. D. Triệ, A. Haevermans, P. P. Lowry II and T. Haevermans. 2012. A distinctive new species of wild banana (Musa, Musaceae) from Northern Vietnam. Phytotaxa 75: 19–32. Callmander, M. W., P. P. Lowry II, F. Forest, D. Devey, H. Beentje & S. Buerki. 2012. Benstonea Callm. & Buerki (Pandanaceae): characterization, circumscription, and distribution of a new genus of screw-pines, with a synopsis of accepted species. Candollea 67: 323–345. Liu, M., G. M. Plunkett, B.-E. van Wyk, P. M Tilney and P. P. Lowry II. 2012. The phylogenetic significance of the carpophore in Apiaceae. Ann. Bot. 110: 1531–1543. Callmander, M. W., P. B. Phillipson and P. P. Lowry II. 2012. Novelties from the Northern Mountains Complex of Madagascar. III. Two new species of Turraea L. (Meliaceae). Adansonia, sér. 3, 34 : 93-102. Plunkett, G. M. and P. P. Lowry II. 2012. Phylogeny and diversification in the Melanesian Schefflera Clade (Araliaceae) based on evidence from nuclear rDNA spacers. Syst. Bot. 37: 279-291. Buerki, S., F. Forest, M. W. Callmander, P. P. Lowry II, D. S. Devey and J. Munzinger. 2012. Phylogenetic inference of New Caledonian lineages of Sapindaceae: molecular evidence requires a reassessment of generic circumscriptions. Taxon 61: 109-119. Schatz, G. E. and P. P. Lowry II. 2011. Nomenclatural notes on Malagasy Diospyros L. (Ebenaceae). Adansonia, sér. 3, 33: 271-281. Goldblatt, P., J. C. Manning, J. Munzinger and P. P. Lowry II. A new native family and new species for the flora of New Caledonia: Patersonia neocaledonica (Iridaceae: Patersonioideae), from the Mount Humboldt massif. Adansonia, sér. 3, 33: 201-208. Callmander, M. W. and P. P. Lowry II. 2011. Deux nouvelles espèces du Massif du Panié (Nouvelle-Calédonie): Meryta rivularis Lowry (Araliaceae) et Pandanus taluucensis Callm. (Pandanaceae). Candollea 66: 263-272.Vary, L. B., D. L. Gillen, M. Randrianjanahary, P. P. Lowry II, A. K. Sakai and S. G. Weller. Dioecy, monoecy and their ecological correlates in the littoral forest of Madagascar. Biotropica 43: 582-590.Tronchet, F. and P. P. Lowry II. 2011. A new species of Meryta (Araliaceae) from the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. In: D. H. Lorence and W. L. Wagner (eds.), Botany of the Marquesas Islands: new taxa, combinations, and revisions. PhytoKeys 4: 149-156.Barrabé, L., A. Mouly, P. P. Lowry II and J. Munzinger. 2011. Reinstatement of the endemic New Caledonian genus Thiollierea Montrouz. (Rubiaceae) necessitated by the polyphyly of Bikkia Reinw. as currently circumscribed. Adansonia, sér. 3, 33: 115-134. Callmander, M. W., P. B. Phillipson, G. E. Schatz, S. Andriambololonera, M. Rabarimanarivo, N. Rakotonirina, J. Raharimampionona, C. Chatelain, L. Gautier and P. P. Lowry II. 2011. The endemic and non-endemic vascular flora of Madagascar updated. Plant Ecol. Evol. 144: 121-125.Buerki, S., P. P. Lowry II, S. Andriambololonera, P. B. Phillipson, L. Vary and M. W. Callmander. 2011. How to kill two genera with one tree: clarifying generic circumscriptions within an endemic Malagasy clade of Sapindaceae. Bot. J. Linn. Soc 165: 223-234.Randrianasolo, A. and P. P. Lowry II. 2010. A new species of Ellipanthus (Connaraceae) from humid forest in eastern Madagascar. Adansonia, sér. 3, 32: 229-233.Frodin, D. G., P. P. Lowry II and G. M. Plunkett. 2010. Schefflera (Araliaceae): taxonomic history, overview and progress. Plant Div. Evol. 128: 561-595.Liu, M., G. M. Plunkett and P. P. Lowry II. 2010. Fruit anatomy provides structural synapomorphies to help define Myodocarpaceae (Apiales). Syst. Bot. 35: 675-681.Lowry, P. P., II and G. M. Plunkett. 2010. Recircumscription of Polyscias (Araliaceae) to include six related genera, with a new infrageneric classification and a synopsis of species. Plant. Div. Evol. 128: 55-84. Plunkett, G. M. and P. P. Lowry II. 2010. Paraphyly and polyphyly in Polyscias sensu lato: molecular evidence and the case for recircumscribing the "pinnate genera" of Araliaceae. Plant. Div. Evol. 128: 23-54.Buerki, S., P. P. Lowry II, N. Alvarez, S. G. Razafimandimbison, P. Küpfer and M. W. Callmander. 2010. Phylogeny and circumscription of Sapindaceae revisited: molecular sequence data, morphology and biogeography support recognition of a few family, Xanthoceraceae. Plant Ecol. Evol. 143: 148-159.Buerki, S., P. P. Lowry II, P. B. Phillipson and M. W. Callmander. 2010. Molecular phylogenetic and morphological evidence supports recognition of Gereaua, a new endemic genus of Sapindaceae from Madagascar. Syst. Bot. 35: 172-180.Ramananjanahary, R. H., C. L. Fraiser, P. P. Lowry II, F. A. Rajaonary and G. E. Schatz. 2010. Madagascars Endemic Plant Families: Species Guide. Missouri Botanical Garden Madagascar Research and Conservation Program, Antananarivo, Madagascar. 150p.Jaffré, T., J. Munzinger and P. P. Lowry II. 2010. Threats to the conifer species found on New Caledonias ultramafic massifs and proposals for urgently needed measures to improve their protection. Biodiv. & Conserv. 19: 1485-1502.Sun, B.-L., C.-Q. Zhang, P. P. Lowry II and J. Wen. 2009. Cryptic dioecy in Nyssa yunnanensis (Nyssaceae), a critically endangered species from tropical eastern Asia. Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 96: 672-684. Buerki, S., M. W. Callmander, P. P. Lowry II and P. B. Phillipson. 2009. A synoptic revision of the genus Lepisanthes Blume (Sapindaceae) in Madagascar. Adansonia, sér. 3, 31: 301-309.Callmander, M. W., C. Rakotovao, J. Razafitsalama, S. Buerki, C. Hong-Wa, N. Rakotoarivelo, S. Andriambololonera, M. Koopman, D. M. Johnson, T. Deroin, R. Andriamandranto, S. Solo, P. B. Phillipson, J.-N. Labat and P. P. Lowry II. 2009. New species from two unknown and highly threatened mountainous areas in north-western Madagascar: the Galoka and Kalabenono massifs. Candollea 64: 179-202.Rabehevitra, D. and P. P. Lowry II. 2009. Endemic families of Madagascar. XI. A new critically endangered species of Schizolaena (Sarcolaenaceae) from tapia woodland in South-Central Madagascar. Adansonia, sér. 3, 31: 149-155. Randrianasolo, A. and P. P. Lowry II. 2009. Four new species and one new combination in the Malagasy endemic genus of Micronychia Oliv. (Anacardiaceae). Adansonia, sér. 3, 31: 157-168.Schuurman, D. and P. P. Lowry II. 2009. The Madagascar rosewood massacre. Madagascar Conserv. Develop. 4: 98-102. Liu, M., B.-E. van Wyk, P. M Tilney, G. M. Plunkett and P. P. Lowry II. 2009. Evidence from fruit structure supports the circumscription of Apiaceae subfamily Azorelloideae. Plant Syst. Evol. 280: 1-13.Lowry, P. P., II, F. Randriatafika and J. Rabenantoandro. 2008. Conservation status of vascular plant species from the QMM/Rio Tinto mining area at Mandena, Tolagnaro (Fort Dauphin) region, southeast Madagascar. Madagascar Conserv. Develop. 3: 55-63. Swenson, U., P. P. Lowry II, J. Munzinger, C. Rydin and I. V. Bartish. 2008. Phylogeny and generic limits in the Niemeyera complex of New Caledonian Sapotaceae: evidence of multiple origins of the anisomerous flower. Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 49: 909-929.Munzinger, J., G. D. McPherson and P. P. Lowry II. 2008. A second species in the endemic New Caledonian genus Gastrolepis (Stemonuraceae) and its implications for the conservation status of high altitude maquis vegetation: coherent application of the IUCN Red List criteria is urgently needed in New Caledonia. Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 157: 775-783. Hannah, L., R. Dave, P. P. Lowry II, M. Andrianarisata, A. Cameron, R. Hijmans, J. MacKinnon, H. H. Randrianasolo, S. Andriambololonera, A. Razafimpahanana, H. Randriamahazo, J. Randrianarisoa, P. Razafinjatovo, C. Raxworthy, G. E. Schatz, M. Tadross and L. Wilmé. 2008. Climate change adaptation for conservation in Madagascar. Biol. Letters 4: 590-594. Shang, C.-B. and P. P. Lowry II. 2007. Araliaceae. Flora of China 13: 435-491.Callmander, M. W., G. E. Schatz, P. P. Lowry II, M. O. Laivao and J. Raharimampionona, S. Andriambololonera, T. Raminosoa and T. K. Consiglio. 2007. Identification of priority areas for plant conservation in Madagascar using IUCN Red List criteria: rare and threatened Pandanaceae indicate sites in need of protection. Oryx 42: 168-176 [+ 5 pp. suppl. on-line]. Oskolski, A. A., E. L. Kotina, I. V. Fomichev, F. Tronchet and P. P. Lowry II. 2007. Systematic implications of wood and bark anatomy in the Pacific island genus Meryta (Araliaceae). Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 153: 363-379.Randrianasolo, A. and P. P. Lowry II. 2006. Operculicarya (Anacardiaceae) revisited: an updated taxonomic treatment, with descriptions of two new species. Adansonia, sér. 3, 359-371. Schatz, G. E. and P. P. Lowry II. 2006. Endemic families of Madagascar. X. Two new species of Rhopalocarpus (Sphaerosepalaceae). Adansonia, sér. 3, 329-336 Consiglio, T., G. E. Schatz, G. McPherson, P. P. Lowry II, J. Rabenantoandro and Z. S. Rodgers. 2006. Deforestation and plant diversity of Madagascar’s Littoral Forests. Conserv. Biol. 20: 1799-1803. Lowry, P. P., II and C.-B. Shang. 2006. Contributions to the study of Chinese Araliaceae: New species and synonyms in Brassaiopsis and Schefflera. Acta Phytotax. Sin. 44: 641-648. Liu, M., G. M. Plunkett, P. P. Lowry II, B.-E. van Wyk and P. M Tilney. 2006. The taxonomic value of fruit wing types in the order Apiales. Amer. J. Bot. 93: 1357-1368. Wen, J. and P. P. Lowry II. 2006. New species and new combinations in Brassaiopsis (Araliaceae) from Vietnam and southwestern China. Adansonia, sér. 3: 28: 181-190. Callmander, M. W., G. E. Schatz and P. P. Lowry II. 2005 (2006). IUCN Red List assessment and the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation: taxonomists must act now. Taxon 54: 1047-1050. Tronchet, F., G.M. Plunkett, J. Jérémie and P.P. Lowry II. 2005. Monophyly and major clades of Meryta (Araliaceae). Syst. Bot. 30: 657-670. Plunkett, G.M., P.P. Lowry II, D.G. Frodin and J. Wen. 2005. Phylogeny and geography of Schefflera: pervasive polyphyly in the largest genus of Araliaceae. Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 92: 202-224. Lowry, P.P., II, G.M. Plunkett, V. Raquet, T.S. Sprenkle and J. Jérémie. 2004. Inclusion of the endemic New Caledonian genus Pseudosciadium Baill. in Delarbrea Vieill. (Apiales, Myodocarpaceae). Adansonia, sér. 3, 26: 251-256. Yi, T., P.P. Lowry II, G.M. Plunkett and J. Wen. 2004. Chromosomal evolution in Araliaceae and close relatives. Taxon 53: 987-1005. Plunkett, G.M., P.P. Lowry II and N.V. Vu. 2004. Phylogenetic relationships among Polyscias (Araliaceae) and close relatives from the western Indian Ocean Basin. Intl. J. Plant Sci. 165: 861-873. Lowry, P.P., II, G.M. Plunkett and J. Wen. 2004. Generic relationships in Araliaceae: looking into the crystal ball. S. Afr. J. Bot. 70: 382-392. Schatz, G.E. and P.P. Lowry II. 2004. A synoptic revision of the genus Brexia (Celastraceae) in Madagascar. Adansonia, sér. 3, 26: 67-81. McPherson, G. and P.P. Lowry II. 2004. Hooglandia, a newly discovered genus of Cunoniaceae from New Caledonia. Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 91: 260-265. Sweeney, P., J. Bradford and P.P. Lowry II. 2004. Position of the New Caledonian endemic genus Hooglandia (Cunoniaceae) as determined by phylogenetic analysis of chloroplast DNA. Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 91: 266-274. Plunkett, G.M., J. Wen and P.P. Lowry II. 2004. Infrafamilial classifications and characters in Araliaceae: Insights from the phylogenetic analysis of nuclear (ITS) and plastid (trnL-trnF) sequence data. Pl. Syst. Evol. 245: 1-39. Lowry, P.P., II and P.P. Smith. 2003. Closing the gulf between botanists and conservationists. Conserv. Biol. 17: 1175-1176. Wen, J., C. Lee, P.P. Lowry II and N.T. Hiep. 2003. Inclusion of the Vietnamese endemic Grushvitzkya in Brassaiopsis (Araliaceae): evidence from nuclear ribosomal and chloroplast DNA. Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 142: 455-463. Schatz, G.E. and P.P. Lowry II. 2002. A synoptic revision of the genus Buxus L. (Buxaceae) in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. Adansonia, sér. 3, 24: 179-196. Lowry, P.P., II, G.E. Schatz and A.-E. Wolf. 2002. Endemic families of Madagascar. VIII. A synoptic revision of Xyloolaena Baill. (Sarcolaenaceae). Adansonia, sér. 3, 24: 7-19. Wen, J., P.P. Lowry II, J. Walck and K-O. Yoo. 2002. Phylogenetic and biogeographic diversification in Osmorhiza (Apiaceae). Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 89: 414-428. Lowry, P.P., II. 2001. A time for taxonomists to take the lead. Oryx 35: 273-274. Schatz, G.E., P.P. Lowry II & A.-E. Wolf. 2001. Endemic families of Madagascar. VII. A synoptic revision of Leptolaena (Sarcolaenaceae). Adansonia, sér. 3, 23: 171-189. Lowry, W.P. and P.P. Lowry II. 2001. Fundamentals of Biometeorology. Vol. 2. The Biological Environment. Peavine Publ./Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. 680pp. Eibl, J., G.M. Plunkett & P.P. Lowry II. 2001. Evolution of Polyscias sect. Tieghemopanax (Araliaceae) based on nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequence data. Adansonia, sér. 3, 23: 23-48. Plunkett, G.M., P.P. Lowry II & M.K. Burke. 2001. The phylogenetic status of Polyscias (Araliaceae) based on nuclear ITS sequence data. Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 88: 213-230. Plunkett, G.M. & P.P. Lowry II. 2001. Relationships among "ancient araliads" and their significance for the systematics of Apiales. Mol. Phylogen. Evol. 19: 259-276. Schatz, G.E., P.P. Lowry II & A.-E. Wolf. 2000. Endemic families of Madagascar. VI. A synoptic revision of Rhodolaena (Sarcolaenaceae). Adansonia, sér. 3, 22: 239-252 Lowry, P.P., II , T. Haevermans, J.-N. Labat, G.E. Schatz, J.-F. Leroy & A.-E. Wolf. 2000. Endemic families of Madagascar. V. A synoptic revision of Eremolaena, Pentachlaena and Perrierodendron (Sarcolaenaceae). Adansonia, sér. 3, 22: 11-31. Schatz, G.E., P.P. Lowry II & A.-E. Wolf. 1999. Endemic families of Madagascar. IV. A synoptic revision of Asteropeia (Asteropeiaceae). Adansonia, sér. 3, 21 255-268. Lowry, P.P., II, G.E. Schatz, J.-F. Leroy & A.-E. Wolf. 1999. Endemic families of Madagascar. III. A synoptic revision of Schizolaena (Sarcolaenaceae). Adansonia, sér. 3, 21: 183-212. Lowry, P.P., II. 1998. Diversity, endemism, and extinction in the flora of New Caledonia. Pp. 181-206 in C.-I Peng & P.P. Lowry II (editors), Proc. Intl. Symposium on Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Floras of Asia and the Pacific. Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan. Lowry, P.P., II, G.E. Schatz & P.B. Phillipson. 1997. The classification of natural and anthropogenic vegetation in Madagascar. Pp. 93-123 in S.M. Goodman & B.D. Patterson (editors), Natural Change and Human Impact in Madagascar. Smithsonian Inst. Press, Washington, D.C. Morat, Ph. & P.P. Lowry II. 1997. Floristic richness in the Africa-Madagascar region: a brief history and prospective. Adansonia, sér. 3, 19: 101-115. Lowry, W.P. and P.P. Lowry II. 1990. Fundamentals of Biometeorology. Vol. 1. The Physical Environment. Peavine Publ., McMinnville, Oregon, USA. 310pp.