William Wayt Thomas

The focus of Wayt Thomas’ research is plants of the American tropics, especially Brazil. He has three primary interests: the vegetation and conservation of the Atlantic coastal forests of northeastern Brazil; systematics of the Sedge family (Cyperaceae), especially the beaked-rushes (Rhynchospora); and the systematics of the Tree-of-Heaven family (Simaroubaceae and its segregate families, Picramniaceae and Surianaceae). Wayt believe that systematic research provides a much-needed foundation for conservation of biodiversity. To that end, his work in northeastern Brazil is made available to local conservation organizations and has had a significant impact on conservation in the region.-NYBG