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{{short description|South African botanist (1884–1966)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox scientist
{{Infobox scientist
| name = Edith Layard Stephens
| name = Edith Layard Stephens
| image =
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| birth_date = {{Birth date|1884|12|06|df=yes}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1884|12|06|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Cape Town, South Africa]]
| birth_place = [[Cape Town, South Africa|Cape Town]], [[Cape Colony]]
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1966|03|02|1884|12|06|df=yes}}
| death_date = {{Death date and age|1966|03|02|1884|12|06|df=yes}}
| death_place = Cape Town, South Africa
| death_place = Cape Town, South Africa
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| resting_place_coordinates = <!-- {{Coord|LAT|LONG|type:landmark|display=inline,title}} -->
| residence = [[South Africa]]
| citizenship =
| citizenship =
| nationality =
| nationality =
| fields = {{Flatlist|
| fields = {{Flatlist|
* [[Botany]]
* [[Botany]]
}}
}}
| workplaces = [[University of Capetown]]
| workplaces = [[University of Cape Town]]
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'''Edith Layard Stephens''' (1884-1966) was a [[South Africa]]n [[botanist]], a leading authority on [[algae]] and [[fungi]], particularly edible and poisonous mushrooms.<ref>{{cite book|last=Brown|first=A. C.|title=A History of Scientific Endeavour in South Africa: A Collection of Essays Published on the Occasion of the Centenary of the Royal Society of South Africa|date=1977|publisher=Royal Society of South Africa|page=249}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Creese|first=Mary R.S. Creese, with contributions by Thomas M.|title=Ladies in the laboratory III South African, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian women in science : nineteenth and early twentieth centuries : a survey of their contributions|date=2010|publisher=Scarecrow Press|location=Lanham, Md.|isbn=9780810872899|pages=18&ndash;22}}</ref>
'''Edith Layard Stephens''' (1884-1966) was a South African [[botanist]], a leading authority on [[algae]] and [[fungi]], particularly edible and poisonous mushrooms.<ref>{{cite book|last=Brown|first=A. C.|title=A History of Scientific Endeavour in South Africa: A Collection of Essays Published on the Occasion of the Centenary of the Royal Society of South Africa|date=1977|publisher=[[Royal Society of South Africa]]|page=249|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-X4IAAAAMAAJ}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Creese|first1=Mary R.S. |last2=Creese|first2= Thomas M.|title=Ladies in the laboratory III South African, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian women in science : nineteenth and early twentieth centuries : a survey of their contributions|date=2010|publisher=Scarecrow Press|location=Lanham, Md.|isbn=9780810872899|pages=18&ndash;22|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K9FkFg5ogZAC}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Stephens was born on December 6, 1884 in [[Cape Town, South Africa]], as the daughter of Michael Stephens, who was a chief locomotive superintendent of the Cape Government Railways and Annie Hoskyn. In 1901, she matriculated at the [[Rustenburg School for Girls]] in [[Rondebosch, Cape Town]]. She studied at the South African College (which later became the [[University of Cape Town]]) and later that year received the [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree at the University of Cape of Good Hope. In 1906, Stephans completed the BA degree with honours in botany being awarded by the Cape of Good Hope and was awarded with the gold medal for science and the Queen Victoria Scholarship and the 1881 Exhibition Scholarship in 1907, which led her to [[Cambridge University]].<ref name=botanical /><ref name=s2a3>{{cite web|url=http://www.s2a3.org.za/bio/Biograph_final.php?serial=2709|title=S2A3 Biographical Database of Southern African Science - Stephens, Miss Edith Layard (botany)|accessdate=12 February 2015}}</ref>
Stephens was born on December 6, 1884, in [[Cape Town, South Africa|Cape Town]], [[Cape Colony]], as the daughter of Michael Stephens, who was a chief locomotive superintendent of the Cape Government Railways and Annie Hoskyn. In 1901, she matriculated at the [[Rustenburg School for Girls]] in [[Rondebosch, Cape Town]]. She studied at the South African College (which later became the [[University of Cape Town]]) and later that year received the [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree at the University of Cape of Good Hope. In 1906, Stephans completed the BA degree with honours in botany being awarded by the Cape of Good Hope and was awarded with the gold medal for science and the Queen Victoria Scholarship and the 1881 Exhibition Scholarship in 1907, which led her to [[Cambridge University]].<ref name=botanical /><ref name=s2a3>{{s2a3 name|id=2709}}</ref>


==Career and accomplishments==
==Career and accomplishments==
In 1908, Stephens published ''A preliminary note on the embryo-sac and embryo of certain Penaeaceae'' in the Annals of Botany, which was based on her research that she started since the South African College. Though her studies did not lead to a qualification since the Cambridge University did not award degrees to women during those years, she was elected as a fellow of the [[Linnean Society of London]]. Around 1911, Stephhens returned to South Africa. During the first half year of 1913, she was a temporary lecturer in botany at the South African College and later succeeded W.T. Saxton, as a lecturer in botany and remained in the Department of Botany when the college became the University of Cape Town in 1918, until she retired in 1940. She then became honorary reader in plant taxonomy at [[Bolus Herbarium]] in 1952.<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/33334034|page=895|title=Taxonomic literature : a selective guide to botanical publications and collections with dates, commentaries and types|volume=5|accessdate=2 August 2014}}</ref> She made a special study in freshwater algae and fungi, known for her two illustrated booklets on poisonous and edible fungi and also contributed the [[Pennaeaceae]]. She continued as honorary reader in systematic botany ([[cryptogams]]) in Bolus Herbarium until her death in 1966.<ref name=botanical>{{cite book|last1=Gunn|first1=Mary|last2=Codd|first2=L. E.|title=Botanical exploration of southern Africa : introductory volume to the Flora of southern Africa : an illustrated history of early botanical literature on the Cape flora, biographical accounts of the leading plant collectors and their activities in southern Africa from the days of the East India company until modern times|date=1981|publisher=publ. for the Botanical research institute by A. A. Balkema|location=Cape Town|isbn=0869611291|pages=334–335|accessdate=12 February 2015}}</ref>
In 1908, Stephens published ''A preliminary note on the embryo-sac and embryo of certain Penaeaceae'' in the Annals of Botany, which was based on her research that she started since the South African College. Though her studies did not lead to a qualification since the Cambridge University did not award degrees to women during those years, she was elected as a fellow of the [[Linnean Society of London]]. Around 1911, Stephhens returned to South Africa. During the first half year of 1913, she was a temporary lecturer in botany at the South African College and later succeeded W.T. Saxton, as a lecturer in botany and remained in the Department of Botany when the college became the University of Cape Town in 1918, until she retired in 1940. She then became honorary reader in plant taxonomy at [[Bolus Herbarium]] in 1952.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/33334034|page=895|title=Taxonomic literature : a selective guide to botanical publications and collections with dates, commentaries and types|volume=5|last1=Stafleu|first1= Frans Antonie|last2=Cowan|first2=Richard S.|location=Utrecht |publisher=Bohn, Scheltema & Holkema|date=1976|edition= 2nd| doi=10.5962/bhl.title.48631 |isbn=9031302244}}</ref> She made a special study in freshwater algae and fungi, known for her two illustrated booklets on poisonous and edible fungi and also contributed the [[Pennaeaceae]]. She continued as honorary reader in systematic botany ([[cryptogams]]) in Bolus Herbarium until her death in 1966.<ref name=botanical>{{cite book|last1=Gunn|first1=Mary|author-link1=Mary Gunn|last2=Codd|first2=L. E. W. |author-link2=Leslie Codd|title=Botanical exploration of southern Africa |date=1981|publisher=[[A. A. Balkema]]|location=Cape Town|isbn=0869611291|pages=334–335|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mkfdQ3l1YQUC}}<!--|accessdate=12 February 2015--></ref>


==Awards==
==Awards==
The Cape Tercentenary Foundation awarded Stephens for her contribution towards preservation of natural fauna and flora in the Cape in 1957. She used this grant to buy an area called Isoetes Vlei, which she then presented to the National Botanic Gardens, known as the Edith Stephens Cape Flats Flora Reserve.<ref name=botanical />
The Cape Tercentenary Foundation awarded Stephens for her contribution towards preservation of natural fauna and flora in the Cape in 1957. She used this grant to buy an area called Isoetes Vlei, which she then presented to the National Botanic Gardens, known as the Edith Stephens Cape Flats Flora Reserve.<ref name=botanical />


==Bibliography==
==Works==
{{botanist|Stephens|Stephens, Edith Layard}}
{{botanist|Stephens|Stephens, Edith Layard}}
* ''Notes on the Aquatic Flora of South Africa'', Cape Town : University of Cape Town, 1924.
* ''Notes on the Aquatic Flora of South Africa'', Cape Town : University of Cape Town, 1924.
* ''The Botanical Features of the South Western Cape Province'' Cape Town : Specialty Press of S.A. Ltd., 1929. (With Robert Harold Compton; Robert Stephen Adamson; Paul Andries van der Byl and Margaret R Levyns, Mrs.)
* ''The Botanical Features of the South Western Cape Province'' Cape Town : Specialty Press of S.A. Ltd., 1929. (With Robert Harold Compton; Robert Stephen Adamson; [[Paul Andries van der Bijl|Paul Andries van der Byl]] and Margaret R Levyns, Mrs.)
* ''Some South African Edible Fungi'', Longmans, Green and Co., Cape Town, 1953
* ''Some South African Edible Fungi'', Longmans, Green and Co., Cape Town, 1953
* ''Some South African Poisonous and Inedible Fungi'', Longmans, Green and Co., Cape Town, 1953
* ''Some South African Poisonous and Inedible Fungi'', Longmans, Green and Co., Cape Town, 1953
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{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{Persondata
| NAME = Stephens, Edith Layard
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Stpehens
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = South African botanist
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1884
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Capetown, South Africa]]
| DATE OF DEATH = 1966
| PLACE OF DEATH = [[Capetown, South Africa]]
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Stephens, Edith Layard}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Stephens, Edith Layard}}
[[Category:1884 births]]
[[Category:1884 births]]
[[Category:1966 deaths]]
[[Category:1966 deaths]]
[[Category:South African botanists]]
[[Category:20th-century South African botanists]]
[[Category:Women scientists]]
[[Category:South African women botanists]]
[[Category:University of Cape Town]]
[[Category:Academic staff of the University of Cape Town]]
[[Category:WikiProject Women scientists articles]]
[[Category:ISI highly cited researchers]]
[[Category:Alumni of Rustenburg School for Girls]]
[[Category:Alumni of Rustenburg School for Girls]]
[[Category:20th-century South African women scientists]]

Latest revision as of 16:25, 7 December 2023

Edith Layard Stephens
Born(1884-12-06)6 December 1884
Cape Town, Cape Colony
Died2 March 1966(1966-03-02) (aged 81)
Cape Town, South Africa
Scientific career
Fields
InstitutionsUniversity of Cape Town

Edith Layard Stephens (1884-1966) was a South African botanist, a leading authority on algae and fungi, particularly edible and poisonous mushrooms.[1][2]

Early life and education[edit]

Stephens was born on December 6, 1884, in Cape Town, Cape Colony, as the daughter of Michael Stephens, who was a chief locomotive superintendent of the Cape Government Railways and Annie Hoskyn. In 1901, she matriculated at the Rustenburg School for Girls in Rondebosch, Cape Town. She studied at the South African College (which later became the University of Cape Town) and later that year received the Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Cape of Good Hope. In 1906, Stephans completed the BA degree with honours in botany being awarded by the Cape of Good Hope and was awarded with the gold medal for science and the Queen Victoria Scholarship and the 1881 Exhibition Scholarship in 1907, which led her to Cambridge University.[3][4]

Career and accomplishments[edit]

In 1908, Stephens published A preliminary note on the embryo-sac and embryo of certain Penaeaceae in the Annals of Botany, which was based on her research that she started since the South African College. Though her studies did not lead to a qualification since the Cambridge University did not award degrees to women during those years, she was elected as a fellow of the Linnean Society of London. Around 1911, Stephhens returned to South Africa. During the first half year of 1913, she was a temporary lecturer in botany at the South African College and later succeeded W.T. Saxton, as a lecturer in botany and remained in the Department of Botany when the college became the University of Cape Town in 1918, until she retired in 1940. She then became honorary reader in plant taxonomy at Bolus Herbarium in 1952.[5] She made a special study in freshwater algae and fungi, known for her two illustrated booklets on poisonous and edible fungi and also contributed the Pennaeaceae. She continued as honorary reader in systematic botany (cryptogams) in Bolus Herbarium until her death in 1966.[3]

Awards[edit]

The Cape Tercentenary Foundation awarded Stephens for her contribution towards preservation of natural fauna and flora in the Cape in 1957. She used this grant to buy an area called Isoetes Vlei, which she then presented to the National Botanic Gardens, known as the Edith Stephens Cape Flats Flora Reserve.[3]

Works[edit]

The standard author abbreviation Stephens is used to indicate this person as the author when citing a botanical name.[6]
  • Notes on the Aquatic Flora of South Africa, Cape Town : University of Cape Town, 1924.
  • The Botanical Features of the South Western Cape Province Cape Town : Specialty Press of S.A. Ltd., 1929. (With Robert Harold Compton; Robert Stephen Adamson; Paul Andries van der Byl and Margaret R Levyns, Mrs.)
  • Some South African Edible Fungi, Longmans, Green and Co., Cape Town, 1953
  • Some South African Poisonous and Inedible Fungi, Longmans, Green and Co., Cape Town, 1953

References[edit]

  1. ^ Brown, A. C. (1977). A History of Scientific Endeavour in South Africa: A Collection of Essays Published on the Occasion of the Centenary of the Royal Society of South Africa. Royal Society of South Africa. p. 249.
  2. ^ Creese, Mary R.S.; Creese, Thomas M. (2010). Ladies in the laboratory III South African, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian women in science : nineteenth and early twentieth centuries : a survey of their contributions. Lanham, Md.: Scarecrow Press. pp. 18–22. ISBN 9780810872899.
  3. ^ a b c Gunn, Mary; Codd, L. E. W. (1981). Botanical exploration of southern Africa. Cape Town: A. A. Balkema. pp. 334–335. ISBN 0869611291.
  4. ^ Biography of Edith Layard Stephens at the S2A3 Biographical Database of Southern African Science
  5. ^ Stafleu, Frans Antonie; Cowan, Richard S. (1976). Taxonomic literature : a selective guide to botanical publications and collections with dates, commentaries and types. Vol. 5 (2nd ed.). Utrecht: Bohn, Scheltema & Holkema. p. 895. doi:10.5962/bhl.title.48631. ISBN 9031302244.
  6. ^ International Plant Names Index.  Stephens.
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