A Count’s Legacy: The Botanical Adventures of Hippolyte François Jaubert

October 28, 1798

Today we celebrate Count Hippolyte François Jaubert [ee-po-LEET frahn-SWAH zho-BEAR], a fascinating figure who bridged the worlds of politics and botany in 19th century France.

Though his heart yearned for the natural world from his earliest days, young Hippolyte's path was initially shaped by his uncle and adoptive father, Count François Jaubert, who insisted he pursue law.

Like a dutiful son, he completed his legal studies while secretly nurturing his botanical interests through studies with renowned botanists René Desfontaines and Antoine-Laurent de Jussieu.

When his uncle passed away in 1821, Jaubert inherited not only a title and fortune but also the freedom to finally pursue his true passion: botany.

In 1839, Jaubert embarked on what would become his most significant botanical expedition, joining archaeologist Charles Texier in Asia Minor. Despite health challenges that cut his journey short, he collected an "immense number of interesting plants."

This expedition led to his masterwork, Illustrationes Plantarum Orientalium, published between 1842-1857 – a magnificent five-volume collection featuring exquisite botanical illustrations.

Jaubert also had a knack for setting the record straight when it came to botanical history. He notably corrected a common misconception about the Hortensia plant. While many believed it was named after Queen Hortense (daughter of Empress Josephine), Jaubert revealed that the plant was actually named in honor of Madame Hortense Lepaute, wife of a celebrated Parisian clockmaker who was friends with the naming botanist, Commerson.

From Mexico to Java, Brazil to New Caledonia, Jaubert's collections spanned the globe. His herbarium contained specimens from some of the most remote corners of the Earth, many of which are now impossible to obtain.

But perhaps his most enduring legacy was his fight for France to establish a proper botanical society and invest in horticultural excellence. He used both his political influence and botanical expertise to advance the cause of plant science in his beloved country.

When he passed away in Montpellier in 1874, he left behind more than pressed flowers – he left a legacy of following one's dreams while serving the greater good. His story reminds us that sometimes life's detours (like his early legal career) can actually enhance our ability to pursue our true passions later on.