This research sub-cluster aims for the conservation of plant and fungi ecosystems. The research focus on flora documentation, ecosystem conservation (species status: endemic, rare, endangered and extinct), forest ecology (flora composition, biomass, carbon) and ethnobotany. In line with current trends, our research integrates the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources to meet the National Biodiversity Policy.

This sub-cluster is an important component in naming and classifying species of living organisms, and interpret the relationships between the species. The use of data/characteristics in naming and classification is in line with the development of technology is also explored. Naming and classification using morphology and anatomy features has also extended to molecular data through polymerase chain reaction and second-generation sequencing. This sub-cluster is also important for other fields such as plant biotechnology, pharmaceutical, forestry, agriculture and environmental science.

The research involved systematic studies of anatomical and microscopic characteristics, pollen morphology and spores of higher plant (dicotyledon, monocotyledon), lower plants (pteridophytes and bryophytes) and fungi. Characterization and identification of microscopic characteristics of potential medicinal plants and economically important plants. Developmental study of plant pathogens/mycorrhiza at the cell and tissue level. The study also includes feeding behaviour of invertebrates and vertebrates on plants and association studies of pollen morphological characteristics and pollination agents.