Botanist documents beauty of Kenya's plants
Book is first by Chinese researchers cataloging flora outside of China
Behind every plant record can be found a human story. Polystachya danielana is the name of an orchid species found in the western highlands of Kenya. It was named in honor of plant taxonomist Daniel Odhiambo Miyawa, who pursued his doctoral degree at the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center.
Wang met him in 2014 and learned that he was an orchid expert at the National Museum of Kenya. Wang invited him to pursue a doctorate at the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, and the following year, Miyawa arrived in Wuhan.
Unfortunately, in 2017, Miyawa fell seriously ill and passed away shortly thereafter. Therefore, a new species of orchid discovered the following year was named after him as a tribute to the orchid researcher.
To date, as a graduate adviser, Wang has guided over 20 African students.
"Before I retire, Flora of Kenya will definitely not be completed, but I believe more people will continue this work. It is a meaningful endeavor," Wang said.
Contact the writers at yandongjie@chinadaily.com.cn
