The report is strategic and has substance for a diverse audience.
In terms of gaps, I see mapping of suffrutex life forms in floristic groups or the centres for suffrutex (geoxylic) diversity, such as in the miombo (Africa south of the equator) and the Brazilian Cerrado. In the Zambezian floral domain with at least 121 geoxylic species described, there are endemic species and many of the families represented above ground, even some canopy species, lie in the subterranean flora including Rubiaceae and Anacardiaceae. These include important miombo flowering canopy species such as Syzygium guineense and Parinari sub species.
It may be meaningful to note the reality of geoxylic diversity not least in quite compact woodland types such as the Miombo across at least 7 countries south of the Equator in Africa - below and above ground. In the context of climate change narrative, biodiversity and genetic pools, refuges and endemism alongside resilience for adaptation this is an important resource.
Practically speaking, as the mapping process delineates types and extent, woodlands such as the Miombo and Cerrado in Brazil, further work to recognize and value the underground suffrutex vegetation provides a more realistic picture.
The above is based on personal experience of research and bilateral work in Miombo ecozone, although a few years ago. Phil. Tuite (PhD)
Dr. Philomena Tuite