Abstract:
With the untimely passing of the doyen of plant systematics
on the Iberian Peninsula, Dr Santiago Castroviejo
Bolibar (Figure 1), shortly after his 63rd birthday,
on 30 September 2009, the global plant taxonomic fraternity
lost one its staunchest supporters and contributors.
He was a mild-mannered and humble person who
easily and readily shared his considerable expertise in
matters of a taxonomic nature with his colleagues. He
worked well beyond the borders of his native Spain
and participated widely in a wide range of international
botanical initiatives.
Santiago finally succumbed to cancer of the mouth
following a two-year battle with the disease. We join his
numerous colleagues and collaborators in mourning his
passing. His untimely death leaves a void that will be
felt well beyond his native Spain.
