The botanical exploration of Angola by Germans during the 19th and 20th centuries, with biographical sketches and notes on collections and herbaria

Abstract

A catalogue of 29 German individuals who were active in the botanical exploration of Angola during the 19th and 20th centuries is presented. One of these is likely of Swiss nationality but with significant links to German settlers in Angola. The catalogue includes information on the places of collecting activity, dates on which locations were visited, the whereabouts of preserved exsiccata, maps with itineraries, and biographical information on the collectors. Initial botanical exploration in Angola by Germans was linked to efforts to establish and expand Germany's colonies in Africa. Later exploration followed after some Germans had settled in the country. However, Angola was never under German control. The most intense period of German collecting activity in this south-tropical African country took place from the early-1870s to 1900. Twenty-four Germans collected plant specimens in Angola for deposition in herbaria in continental Europe, mostly in Germany. Five other naturalists or explorers were active in Angola but collections have not been located under their names or were made by someone else. A further three collectors, who are sometimes cited as having collected material in Angola but did not do so, are also briefly discussed.