Henk Jaap Beentje
Encyclopedia
Henk Jaap Beentje is a Dutch
botanist
. In 1978 he obtained a masters in biology at the University of Amsterdam. He obtained his PhD
at the Wageningen Agricultural University on the thesis A monograph on Strophanthus DC. (Apocynaceae), prepared under the direction of Hendrik de Wit
and A.J.M. Leeuwenberg, in 1982.
Since 1975, Beentje has been active in Africa. Between 1984 and 1989, he was a research fellow at the East African Herbarium, a herbarium
that is part of the National Museums of Kenya
in Kenya.
Since 1995, Beentje has been a researcher at the herbarium of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
. He is particularly engaged in research of mainly African species from the Composite
and the Palm
families. In the area of the palms, he has often collaborated with John Dransfield
. Beentje also serves as an editor of the publication series Flora of Tropical East Africa. He is a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London
.
Dutch people
The Dutch people are an ethnic group native to the Netherlands. They share a common culture and speak the Dutch language. Dutch people and their descendants are found in migrant communities worldwide, notably in Suriname, Chile, Brazil, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the United...
botanist
Botany
Botany, plant science, or plant biology is a branch of biology that involves the scientific study of plant life. Traditionally, botany also included the study of fungi, algae and viruses...
. In 1978 he obtained a masters in biology at the University of Amsterdam. He obtained his PhD
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil , in English-speaking countries, is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities...
at the Wageningen Agricultural University on the thesis A monograph on Strophanthus DC. (Apocynaceae), prepared under the direction of Hendrik de Wit
Hendrik de Wit
Hendrik Cornelis Dirk de Wit was a Dutch systematic botanist who contributed significantly to the knowledge of the Aroid genera Cryptocoryne and Lagenandra...
and A.J.M. Leeuwenberg, in 1982.
Since 1975, Beentje has been active in Africa. Between 1984 and 1989, he was a research fellow at the East African Herbarium, a herbarium
Herbarium
In botany, a herbarium – sometimes known by the Anglicized term herbar – is a collection of preserved plant specimens. These specimens may be whole plants or plant parts: these will usually be in a dried form, mounted on a sheet, but depending upon the material may also be kept in...
that is part of the National Museums of Kenya
National Museums of Kenya
The National Museums of Kenya is a State Corporation that manages Museums, Sites and Monuments in Kenya. It also practices scientific research. Its headquarters and the National Museum are located on Museum Hill, near Uhuru Highway between Central Business District and Westlands in Nairobi...
in Kenya.
Since 1995, Beentje has been a researcher at the herbarium of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, usually referred to as Kew Gardens, is 121 hectares of gardens and botanical glasshouses between Richmond and Kew in southwest London, England. "The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew" and the brand name "Kew" are also used as umbrella terms for the institution that runs...
. He is particularly engaged in research of mainly African species from the Composite
Asteraceae
The Asteraceae or Compositae , is an exceedingly large and widespread family of vascular plants. The group has more than 22,750 currently accepted species, spread across 1620 genera and 12 subfamilies...
and the Palm
Arecaceae
Arecaceae or Palmae , are a family of flowering plants, the only family in the monocot order Arecales. There are roughly 202 currently known genera with around 2600 species, most of which are restricted to tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate climates...
families. In the area of the palms, he has often collaborated with John Dransfield
John Dransfield
John Dransfield is an honorary research fellow and former head of palm research at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, United Kingdom, as well as being an authority on the phylogenetic classification of palms....
. Beentje also serves as an editor of the publication series Flora of Tropical East Africa. He is a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London
Linnean Society of London
The Linnean Society of London is the world's premier society for the study and dissemination of taxonomy and natural history. It publishes a zoological journal, as well as botanical and biological journals...
.
Selected publications
- A Field Guide to the Acacias of Kenya, Malcolm Coe, Henk Beentje & Rosemary Wise, Oxford University PressOxford University PressOxford University Press is the largest university press in the world. It is a department of the University of Oxford and is governed by a group of 15 academics appointed by the Vice-Chancellor known as the Delegates of the Press. They are headed by the Secretary to the Delegates, who serves as...
(1992), ISBN 0198584113 - Kenya Trees, Shrubs, and Lianas, Henk Beentje, Joy AdamsonJoy AdamsonJoy Adamson was a naturalist, artist, and author best known for her book, Born Free, which describes her experiences raising a lion cub named Elsa...
& Dhan Bhanderi, National Museums of Kenya (1994), ISBN 9966986103 - The Palms of Madagascar, John Dransfield , Henk Beentje, Margaret Tebbs & Rosemary Wise, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (1995), ISBN 0947643826
- Field Guide to the Palms of Madagascar, John Dransfield, Henk Beentje, Adam Britt, Tianjanahary Ranarivelo & Jeremie Razafitsalama, Kew Publishing (2006), ISBN 1842461575