About us
About our project
We are a research team focused on the study of the genus Acalypha (family Euphorbiaceae). Despite its ecological and pharmacological significance, this genus remains poorly understood, particularly in Africa. Many species produce chemical compounds with medicinal properties, yet their geographical distribution, evolutionary relationships, and conservation status remain unclear. Our project aims to address these gaps by conducting comprehensive, integrated studies using morphological, molecular, and ecological data to accelerate taxonomic progress and improve our understanding of Acalypha species. Through a combination of detailed morphological analysis and DNA sequencing, the project aims to define species boundaries, clarify evolutionary patterns, and enhance species discovery. Specifically, at this stage, by focusing on Africa —the probable origin of Acalypha—, the research will reveal cryptic species, provide accurate distribution maps, and generate conservation assessments for threatened species.
Additionally, the project will produce valuable resources such as DNA markers, identification keys, and online tools to aid in the identification of Acalypha species for future research, including pharmacological studies and climate change assessments. Ultimately, this project will demonstrate that comprehensive taxonomic studies can be conducted efficiently on a global scale, providing a model for similar research in other poorly studied plant groups. This project website serves as a central platform for presenting all research findings and resources in one place. It ensures that information remains up-to-date and scientifically validated, providing researchers and other users with easy access to accurate species data, identification tools, and conservation assessments. By regularly updating the content, the website will support ongoing research and offer valuable resources for future studies on Acalypha.
About the team
JOSÉ MARÍA CARDIEL
Senior Lecturer at UAM and CBIC-UAM
(Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global, Spain)
Specialist in the taxonomy of Acalypha, he has made significant contributions to the group's understanding and has a lifelong passion for the plant diversity of the Neotropics.
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PABLO MUÑOZ-RODRÍGUEZ
Senior Lecturer at UAM and CBIC-UAM
(Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain)
Combining taxonomy and phylogenomics, he explores the evolutionary history of Acalypha and other economically important tropical plant groups, driven by a deep curiosity for plant diversity.
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IRIS MONTERO-MUÑOZ
Postdoctoral researcher at RJB-CSIC.
(Real Jardín Botánico - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Spain)
Studies the taxonomy and biogeography of Acalypha and other Euphorbiaceae genera in Africa and the Western Indian Ocean, inspired by the botanical richness of these regions.
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EMMA ORTÚÑEZ
Senior Lecturer at UAM and CBIC-UAM.
Explores the microscopic world of plants, focussing on leaf and seed structures to uncover the diversity existing in Acalypha, Poaceae, and Orchidaceae.
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ROBERTO GAMARRA
Senior Lecturer at UAM and CBIC-UAM.
Blends historical plant collections with modern taxonomy to understand the biogeography and diversity of orchids and other vascular plants.
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FRANCISCO PANDO
Researcher at RJB-CSIC, manager of the GBIF Spanish node.
(Global Biodiversity Information Facility)
Bridging taxonomy and computer science, he works to connect scientific knowledge with global data accessibility.
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LUCÍA VILLAESCUSA
PhD researcher at UCM.
Bridging anthropology and botany, she explores the ethnobotany and medicinal uses of Acalypha across cultures through a strong taxonomic perspective.
CLAUDIA ESCOBAR
Research technician.
Plays a key role in the project, supporting lab work, management and data organisation.
PATRICIA BARBERÁ
César Nombela Researcher at UAM.
Specializing in the systematics and evolution of Euphorbiaceae and Poaceae, she seeks to understand the patterns shaping plant diversity.
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LEOPOLDO MEDINA
Head Curator of vascular plants at RJB-CSIC.
Committed to the taxonomy of aquatic plants and the conservation of Mediterranean wetlands, he has published extensively and continues to drive research in plant taxonomy and conservation.
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GEOFFREY A. LEVIN
Botanist at the Canadian Museum of Nature.
A specialist in Acalypha taxonomy, he explores species diversity in Southeast Asia and the Western Indian Ocean with a keen systematic approach.
LAURA GONZÁLEZ
Botanical scientific illustrator with more than 6 years of experience in scientific publication projects on species new to science..
Usage of the data hosted in this web server implies the explicit indication of the source,
as follows: Cardiel, J.M., Muñoz-Rodríguez, P., Montero-Muñoz, I., Gamarra, R. & Ortúñez,
E. Acalypha Taxonomic Information System, www.acalypha.es [Date of request].
