The kalanchoes (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) of Raymond-Hamet (1890–1972)

Abstract

Summary: During a diverse research and professional career, Raymond-Hamet (25 March 1890 [Dijon, Côte D'Or, France]–2 October 1972 [Paris, France]) was, inter alia, an international expert on the genus Kalanchoe Adans. (Crassulaceae). At the age of 15 he published his first new species of Kalanchoe, and at the age of 18 he had already published a comprehensive revision of the genus, replete with the citation of virtually all the literature available on the genus at the time, as well as a voluminous exsiccata held by and derived from numerous herbaria. Over a period of 57 years Raymond-Hamet described and reclassified more than 60 species of Kalanchoe, mostly from Madagascar but some also from other parts of the world, and additionally proposed several new names in the genus that were later validly published by other researchers. An analysis and appreciation of Raymond-Hamet's work on Kalanchoe, including of the species he described and reclassified in the genus are provided. The new combination Kalanchoe beauverdii Raym.-Hamet var. juelii (Raym.-Hamet & H.Perrier) Gideon F.Sm. & Figueiredo was recently published after a previous attempt by Rauh & Hebding, in 1995, was not successful. The name K. juelii Raym.-Hamet & H.Perrier, basionym of Kalanchoe beauverdii var. juelii, was typified when the combination was made.