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The central theme of my research is plant diversity: its origins, evolution and patterns of geographical distribution. Of particular interest are the diversity and evolution of form and function and of various reproductive strategies. From a more applied point of view, I conduct research on conservation biology and invasive plants. 

Fulbright Senior Scholar, University of California, Riverside (1999-2000)

President of the Canadian Botanical Association (2022-2024)

Research opportunities are available for motivated undergraduate and graduate students interested in plant biology. Different “flavors” of research methodology are possible: lab-based, computational and field exploration. Please contact me for more information. 

• Costea, Mihai, Wright, M.A., Glofcheskie, M., Genter, W. and Stefanović, S., 2023. Draining the Swamp Dodders: Systematics of Cuscuta gronovii s.l. (Subgenus Grammica, Sect. Oxycarpae). Systematic Botany, 48(2), pp.325-345.
• Costea, Mihai et al. 2021. Notes on the systematics of Cuscuta sect. Subulatae (subg. Grammica) with the description of Cuscuta mantiqueirana, a new species from Brazil. PhytoKeys 184: 27-44. doi: 
• Costea, Mihai et al., 2020. Cuscuta sect. Californicae (Convolvulaceae) revisited: ‘cryptic’ speciation and host range differentiation. Systematic Botany 45: 638-651. doi:
• Costea, Mihai et al. 2019. The effect of gut passage by waterbirds on the seed coat and pericarp of diaspores lacking “external flesh: Evidence for widespread adaptation to endozoochory in angiosperms". PloS one, 14(12), p.e0226551.