The Austrian Brazil Expedition, which spanned from 1817 to 1821, provided the foundational field data that defined the career of botanist Heinrich Wilhelm Schott. Born in Brno in 1794, Schott emerged as a specialized researcher whose work on the Araceae family established taxonomic standards that remained in use long after his death in Vienna in 1865.
Academic Training and Early Expeditions
Schott pursued formal studies in botany, chemistry, and agriculture at the University of Vienna. During his time at the institution, he received instruction from Joseph Franz von Jacquin. This academic preparation provided the framework for his participation in the Austrian Brazil Expedition. Upon his return, he utilized his extensive collections to inform the botanical research he conducted throughout the remainder of his life.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Horticultural Management at Schönbrunn
In 1828, Schott accepted the position of Hofgärtner in Vienna. By 1845, he had ascended to the role of director for the Imperial Gardens at Schönbrunn Palace. His administrative responsibilities included a significant redesign of the palace grounds in 1852, where he implemented elements of the English garden style. Beyond his administrative duties, he developed an alpinum at the Belvedere Palace to showcase alpine flora.
Botanical Publications and Legacy
Schott was a prolific author whose publications focused heavily on the classification of aroids. His notable works include Aroideae, published between 1853 and 1857, and the 1860 volume Prodromus Systematis Aroidearum. He also collaborated on other scientific texts such as Meletemata botanica and Analecta botanica. His stature in the scientific community was reflected in his memberships at the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. Modern recognition of his work persists through the genus names Schottarum and Schottariella, both established in 2008 by P.C. Boyce and S.Y. Wong to honor his contributions to the family Araceae.
Fast facts
- Born: 1794, Brno
- Died: 1865, Vienna
- Primary Field: Botany
- Key Expedition: Austrian Brazil Expedition (1817–1821)
- Professional Role: Director, Imperial Gardens at Schönbrunn Palace
- Selected Publications: Meletemata botanica (1832), Aroideae (1853–1857), Synopsis Aroidearum (1856)
- Academic Memberships: Austrian Academy of Sciences, German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
Questions readers ask
What was Heinrich Wilhelm Schott's primary area of study?
He focused primarily on botany, with extensive research on the family Araceae, also known as aroids.
Where did Schott spend most of his professional career?
He served as the royal gardener and later as the director of the Imperial Gardens at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.
Achievements
- Fields of research: botany
