Obituary : Santiago Castroviejo (1946-2009)

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.