Grace, Olwen M.
Job TitleResearch Assistant
DepartmentJodrell
SectionSustainable Uses
Science Teams:
Joined Kew: 2004
Foreign Language(s): Afrikaans
Qualifications & Appointments
BSc (Hons), University Natal, 1999
MSc, University Natal, 2002
PhD University of Pretoria, 2009
Role
Research into the systematics and conservation of useful plants in Africa
My research interest is in the classification and conservation of useful plants in Africa, combining systematics with ethnobotany and conservation biology. Recent studies have focussed on Aloe (Xanthorrhoeaceae), a group of great economic and cultural importance and taxonomic complexity. Improved understanding of both classification and use patterns in Aloe will help to address the utility potential of some species and conservation concerns for others.
I also assist the Head of the Sustainable Uses Group in delivering the research objectives of the team with a geographic focus on Africa, engaging with our varied collaborators to gather data and disseminate information. I contribute to teaching the Kew-University of Kent MSc in Ethnobotany.
Projects
Selected Recent Publications
Grace, O.M. ,Klopper, R.R., Figuieredo, E., Smith, G. F. (2011). The Aloe Names Book. Strelitzia 28. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew;.
Grace, O.M., Simmonds, M.S.J., Smith, G.F., Van Wyk, A.E. (2009). Documented utility and biocultural value in the genus Aloe L. (Asphodelaceae): a review. Economic Botany 63: 197–178.
Grace, O.M., Malombe, I., Davis., S.D., Pearce, T.R., Simmonds, M.S.J. (2009). Identifying priority species in dryland Kenya for conservation in the Millennium Seed Bank Project. In: X. Van Der Burgt, J. van der Maesen & J.-M. Onana (editors). Proceedings of the XVIII AETFAT Congress, Yaoundé, Cameroon. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Grace, O.M., Simmonds, M.S.J., Smith, G.F., Van Wyk, A.E. (2009). Taxonomic significance of leaf surface morphology in Aloe section Pictae (Xanthorrhoeaceae). Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 160, 418-428.
Grace, O.M. ,Borus, D.J., Bosch, C.H. (2008). Vegetable oils of tropical Africa. Conclusions and recommendations based on PROTA 14: Vegetable Oils. PROTA Foundation, Nairobi. 84 pp.
Van de Venter, M., Roux, S., Bungu, L.C., Louw, J., Crouch, N.R., Grace, O.M., Maharaj, V., Pillay, P., Sewnarian, P., Bhagwandin, N., Folb, P. (2008). Antidiabetic screening and scoring of 11 plants traditionally used in South Africa. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 119: 81–86.
Selected Earlier Publications
- Bornman, C.H., Grace ,O.M., van Staden, J. (2004). Sustainable biotechnology for sub-Saharan Africa: can it be implemented and maintained? South African Journal of Botany 70: 1-11.
Clarkson, C., Maharaj, V.J., Crouch, N.R., Grace, O.M., Pillay, P., Matsabisa, M.G., Bhagwandin, N., Smith, P.J., Folb, P.I. (2004). In vitro antiplasmodial activity of South African medicinal plants. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 92: 17-191.
- Grace, O.M., van Staden J. (2003). A horticultural history of Lachenalia (Hyacinthaceae). South African Journal of Science 99: 526-531.
- Grace, O.M., Prendergast, H.D.V., Van Staden, J. & Jäger, A.K. (2002). The status of bark in South African traditional health care. South African Journal of Botany 68: 21-30.
