Plant collecting in Mozambique from 1900 to 1929: collectors, collections, herbaria, and why this period was considered to have been unproductive

The collecting of botanical specimens in Mozambique for depositing in herbaria during the period from 1900 to 1929, i.e., up to the appointment of institutional collectors, such as Antonio de Figueiredo Gomes e Sousa, is investigated. A comprehensive catalogue of collectors who were active in the country in the first ca. 30 years of the 20th century is provided. In addition, biographical information about the collectors and information regarding their activities, employment, collections, and herbaria where their collections are kept are catalogued. The analysis is presented in an historical context and we reflect on the reasons why this period has been referred to as having been somewhat unproductive.

Automated summary

This study investigates the collection of botanical specimens in Mozambique from 1900 to 1929 and provides a comprehensive catalog of collectors active in the country during the first approximately 30 years of the 20th century. The catalog includes biographical information, details of their activities, employment, collections, and the herbaria where their collections are stored. The analysis is presented in a historical context, reflecting on the reasons behind the relatively unproductive nature of this period.