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Johann Maria HildebrandtGerman botanist and explorer of the nature of Africa and Madagascar.
Date of Birth: 19.03.1847
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- German Botanist and Explorer of Africa and Madagascar
- Expeditions to Africa
- Return to Europe and Later Expeditions
- Attempted Ascent of Kilimanjaro and Kenya
- Return and Expeditions to Madagascar
- Final Expedition and Death
- Publications
German Botanist and Explorer of Africa and Madagascar
Early Life and CareerJohann Maria Hildebrandt, a German botanist and explorer, was born as the son of Theodor Hildebrandt. Initially pursuing engineering, Hildebrandt later turned to horticulture after losing his right eye in an explosion. He worked at the Botanical Garden of Halle and later at the Botanical Garden of Berlin.
Expeditions to Africa
In 1872, Hildebrandt embarked on a journey to Africa, exploring Egypt and Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) with Werner Munzinger's expedition. He then ventured into the Arab countries and conducted two expeditions to Somalia.
Return to Europe and Later Expeditions
After a trip to East India, Hildebrandt investigated Zanzibar and the opposite coast, and led a third expedition to Somalia. In 1874, he returned to Europe but set out for Africa again the next year to explore the Comoros Islands.
Attempted Ascent of Kilimanjaro and Kenya
Although Hildebrandt's attempt to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro and Kenya failed in 1875, he came within three days' journey of Kenya in 1877.
Return and Expeditions to Madagascar
Returning home in 1877 with valuable scientific data, Hildebrandt weakened by illness, lived in Berlin until 1879. He then embarked on expeditions to Madagascar, where he discovered the Bismarck palm (Bismarckia nobilis) in 1878. He received the news that Christian Rutenberg had perished while exploring Madagascar.
Final Expedition and Death
In 1880, Hildebrandt, once again recovering from illness, traveled into the interior of Madagascar. He visited the forest mountains in the east and then explored the Ankaratra mountain range before turning south due to heavy rain. Soon after returning to Antananarivo, he died there on May 29, 1881.
Publications
Hildebrandt's reports were published in the journal of the geographical society "Zeitschrift der Gesellschaft für Erdkunde."
