Scottish and Chinese Botanists Team Up

A century ago, George Forrest, an adventurous Scottish plant collector, initially trained as a chemist, travelled to China on botanical expeditions. He discovered many new plants on his expeditions and used his medical training to treat the Chinese for illnesses. The botanical connection between Scotland and China that began with Mr. Forrest, continues today with new projects involving the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh and China.

China's current rapid industrial growth is putting pressure on its wilderness areas. China needs scientific expertise to help conserve its natural heritage. Scotland has a tradition of botanical exploration and is a leader in botanical research. The partnership benefits the RBGE as well by giving its researchers the opportunity to work in one of the most exciting areas for current botanical study.

Links:

• Linklater's Scotland from the Scotsman


• George Forrest (1873 - 1932) from PlantExplorers.com


• World's Highest Botanical Garden Opens an earlier weblog entry about a joint conservation effort between the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the Kunming Plant Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 3:33 PM on November 7, 2005