![]() ![]() I imagine her showing them how to collect herbarium vouchers-dried and pressed plants that are recorded and kept in proper storage. One way to show respect was her ability to connect with the locals in their primary language, Spanish. ![]() I’d like to believe that as a plant collector and the daughter of a diplomat, she was respectful of the idiosyncrasies and customs of the places she visited. Mexianthus was the first plant genus named in her honor. She gained recognition from botanical institutions that then sponsored more expeditions.įor the next 12 years, Mexia collected around 150,000 plants. One of her most successful trips was in Mexico, where, despite suffering a terrible accident-she fell down a cliff and broke her arm and a few ribs-she collected about 500 plant specimens. She was able to obtain funding for more trips, traveling to Alaska and most of the Americas. There is not enough documentation to know exactly what happened during that trip, but Mexia realized she would be more productive if she went on her own. With the right connections, she went on her first plant expedition to Sinaloa, Mexico, with the leading American botanist Roxanna Ferris from Stanford University. ![]() Back then, gardening was viewed as an acceptable educational path for women. In California, Mexia pursued an education in the natural sciences at age 51, and she discovered botany. The calming influence of nature is well known, as well as the therapeutic effect it has on individuals and communities. When I think about her, I dare say she found purpose and meaning in life again through nature. The shy girl she once was became an outspoken advocate of the environment, going on excursions and enjoying the outdoors. At her psychiatrist’s encouragement, she joined environmental groups in California. After all this hardship, she suffered a breakdown and decided to move to San Francisco, where she sought medical help. Her first husband died after battling a long illness, and the second husband brought ruin to the ranch. But by that time, her dying father had asked her to take over the family ranch in Mexico before the Mexican Revolution started. She finished her studies and considered entering a convent. Her parents divorced when she was just 9 years old, and she was sent to a private boarding school. Despite her privileged background, Mexia experienced adversity. She was a quiet girl with a passion for reading. She was one of the first female plant explorers in a world where women were limited to only a few career choices, and she made her mark at a time when the fields of botany and plant collecting were dominated by men.ĭaughter of a Mexican diplomat father and an American woman, Mexia was born in 1870 in Washington, D.C., where her father was stationed. Today, there are more women and people of color exploring the natural world and embracing the outdoors, but Ynes Mexia was a trailblazer. I felt the need to look up to someone with a similar life experience such as mine, and Mexia was the perfect example of determination and intrepidity. When I was honored to be part of an international plant collecting trip initiative for the Chicago Botanic Garden, I did some research about plant explorers, and I came across Mexia’s name and work. The federally recognized month honors the “achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success.” An American of Mexican descent, Mexia embodies the purpose of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through October 15. Her story is not widely known but deserves recognition. Mexia was one of the most accomplished botanical explorers and plant collectors of her time.
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