Helge Bruelheide

Department of Geobotany
Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg

The department has a long tradition in botanical and ecological research, covering a broad range of topics in organismic botany including vegetation ecology, plant population biology and evolutionary systematics. The department also has a strong tradition of compiling biogeographical data in a GIS database. The group has done experiments on the climatic causes of plant range boundaries. Field experiments include competition and herbivory as limiting factors. The group has also expertise in bioclimatic range modelling and on predicting of the range of invasive alien plants. Currently, the group investigates phytopathogens as limiting factors for the range of vascular plants. The department is equipped with climate-controlled greenhouses, germination cabinets, and growth and frost chambers. There is a staff of four full professors, an academic staff of 9 assistant professors and post docs, and about 30 assistants and gardeners.