Regresar

David Fairchild expeditions to the Canary Islands: Plant collections and research outcomes

Abstract:

Dr. David Fairchild (1869-1954) made four field trips to the Canary Islands. They took place in 1903 (supported by Barbour Lathrop) and in 1925, 1926, and 1927 (supported by Allison V. Armour). They represented the first extensive plant exploration expeditions ever undertaken by United States botanists targeting this archipelago. At least two of the trips were joined by other biologists from several disciplines. Four of the seven Canary Islands (Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, and Tenerife) were visited. The four expeditions yielded eight publications, over 315 photographs, and 89 germplasm accessions (73 species). Two of these publications focused on invertebrates, one on plant mosaic viruses, and two on the pollination biology and propagation of Ficus auriculata (Moraceae). The remaining three works provided accounts on the natural history and plants of the islands and on the cropping systems and the rural life of the archipelago. © 2012 The New York Botanical Garden.