#  Plant Diversity and Ecology Lab 

 



       ![Cavender-Bares Lab HF ](/sites/g/files/omnuum8866/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2025-04/Cavender-Bares%20Lab%20HF.jpg?itok=L6KJ_fkp) 

 

 



 

 



##  Welcome to the Plant Ecology and Diversity Lab 

Our work focuses on the physiological and evolutionary dimensions of plant ecology that influence community assembly and ecosystem function. We study the genetic and evolutionary basis of variation in plant phenotypes and spectral properties that can advance remote sensing of biodiversity, particularly detecting change through time and its consequences for ecosystems. Our team is committed to advancing international efforts for global monitoring and assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services to aid management towards sustainability.



 

 

##  Lab News 

 



  [### HERBSPHERE: A Spectral Hub for Global Plant Data, new HUH project

 ](/news/2025/07/herbsphere-spectral-hub-global-plant-data-new-huh-project) July 01, 2025 

 

   ![HERBSPHERE ](/sites/g/files/omnuum8866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/Schematic%20figure_new.jpg?itok=MUe33AX1) 

 



 

 

   [### Professor Cavender-Bares presents at the New England Botanical Society

 ](/news/2025/04/professor-cavender-bares-presents-new-england-botanical-society) April 04, 2025 

 

   ![Jeannine Cavender-Bares](/sites/g/files/omnuum8866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-04/Cavender-Bares_6_13_crop.jpg?itok=lzOGYVO2) 

 



 

 

   [### New Harvard Herbaria Director

 ](/news/2024/10/new-harvard-herbaria-director) October 29, 2024 

 

   ![Jeannine at herbarium](/sites/g/files/omnuum8866/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-06/JCB_Herbaria_NewDirector_.jpg?itok=achOk_Pf) 

 



 

 

  

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