Savannas plants experience water limitation yearly during the dry season and unpredictably during droughts. We are interested in how drought tolerance evolved and what are the traits that allow acacias to persist in the harsh savanna environment.

Many savannas are characterized by frequent and low intensity fires. How have woody plants evolved to tolerate and thrive in highly flammable systems? We take an observation and experimental approach to studying plant responses to fire.

Symbiotic relationships between legumes and nitrogen-fixing microbes are important in low nutrient environments. We explore variation among species and how root nodulation responds to fire and herbivory.