A Survey and Analysis of the History of Ernest Henry Wilson’s Specimen Collections in China

Abstract

Since the mid-17th century, Western plant collectors have explored Asia, particularly China, to collect native species for economic and botanical development. Ernest Henry Wilson (1876–1930) stands among the foremost figures in this pursuit. He conducted five plant collections in China between 1899 and 1918, gaining recognition for numerous valuable ornamental species. However, precise details such as the total number of specimens, a comprehensive species list, and the collection locations remained elusive, hindering a thorough assessment of his scientific contributions. To address this gap, we compiled data from various online databases and relevant publications, constructing a comprehensive dataset encompassing species names, collection dates, locations, and additional pertinent information. Employing Python, we organized and translated the species names and locations, facilitating analysis of families, genera, species, and the completeness and preferences of his collection. The conclusions drawn from the available data include 19,218 specimens, with 11,884 collection numbers, belonging to 200 families, 1046 genera, and 3794 species (including 342 infraspecific taxa). Wilson exhibited a preference for woody and flowering plants, resulting in a collection completeness of 25%. His collection spanned seven provinces, 28 prefecture-level cities, and 38 county-level areas, underscoring his significant contributions to the global dissemination of Chinese plant knowledge. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the plant specimens collected by Wilson in China, investigating their taxonomy, distribution, and historical context and evaluating Wilson’s contribution to plant dissemination. The findings serve as a valuable reference for subsequent biodiversity research endeavors.