Francis Masson Archives

Francis Masson: Kew’s First Plant Hunter and Discoverer of the Bird of Paradise

A Stapelia grandiflora, also known as the Carrion Plant or Starfish Flower.

South Africa’s Cape Floral Kingdom December 23, 1805 Today is the anniversary of the death of the Scottish gardener, botanical illustrator, and the very first plant hunter for Kew, Francis Masson. After proving himself capable at Kew, Joseph Banks sent Francis on an expedition to southern Africa, where he met up with the Swedish botanist…

The Daily Gardener Podcast Album Cover with a pot of rosemary - the herb for remembrance - beckoning gardeners to remember to listen to the show. Updated September 2025.

Posts Tagged ‘Francis Masson’

Francis Masson: Kew’s First Plant Hunter and Discoverer of the Bird of Paradise

December 23, 2020 Six Great Perennials for Design, John Jay, Francis Masson, Ann Batten Cristall, The Grow Your Own Food Handbook by Monte Burch, and Mystical Mistletoe Is Historical Sprig