Pierre Meerts

Research Scientist African Flora  Department: Research Contact: pierre.meerts@plantentuinmeise.be |  ResearchGate  |  ORCID  |

My research focuses on the ecology, floristics, and taxonomy of flowering plants, with a particular emphasis on Central Africa.

I contribute to improving knowledge of the flora of Central Africa (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi) through the study of major herbarium collections, particularly those held at Meise Botanic Garden and the Université Libre de Bruxelles. My recent taxonomic work has focused on the families Lamiaceae, Verbenaceae and Apiaceae, as well as on introduced plant species. I also coordinated the preparation of the Checklist of the Flora of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition, I am involved in the long-term monitoring of flora and vegetation in Upemba National Park (DR Congo).

My ecological research investigates the functional relationships between plants and soils, combining field observations with experimental cultivation studies. A recent focus has been the distinctive flora associated with large termite mounds in tropical African woodlands. 

Qualifications
Degrees

• PhD, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1990

Employment history

• Professor, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1991 –
• Research scientist, Meise Botanic Garden, 2021 - 

Publications
FRIS Research Portal