Alison Marjorie Ashby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alison Ashby
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|---|---|
| Born |
Alison Marjorie Ashby
7 February 1901 North Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia
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| Died | 12 August 1987 (aged 86) Victor Harbor, South Australia
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| Known for | botanical artist and plant collector |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Botany |
| Author abbrev. (botany) | A.M.Ashby |
Alison Marjorie Ashby (February 7, 1901 – August 12, 1987) was a talented Australian artist. She was also a dedicated plant collector. She spent her life drawing and collecting plants from all over Australia.
Early Life and Learning
Alison Ashby was born in Adelaide, South Australia. She was the youngest of four children. Her father, Edwin Ashby, loved nature and encouraged her interest in plants.
In 1902, her family moved to a farm called Wittunga. This farm was located near the Adelaide Hills. Today, part of this land is known as the Wittunga Botanic Garden.
Alison was mostly taught at home. She was quite shy and had a stutter. She also had a health condition that made home schooling a good choice. Her father helped her learn about native plants. She soon started painting beautiful wildflowers.
A Career in Nature
After her parents passed away in 1944, Alison began to travel more. She went on longer trips to collect plants. She gathered plant samples for different herbaria. A herbarium is like a library for dried plant specimens. She also learned to grow new plants from seeds and cuttings.
Alison was an active member of the South Australian branch of the Australian Native Plants Society. This group helps people learn about and grow Australian plants.
From 1963 to 1977, she made many car trips each year. She collected and drew plants during these journeys. She drove to Southwest Australia in the winter. In the summer, she explored the Australian Alps.
In 1972, she moved to Victor Harbor. She continued her work until she passed away in 1987.
Alison Ashby gave a part of her family's Wittunga property to the National Trust of Australia in 1957. This area is now the 32-hectare Watiparinga Reserve.
She donated most of her 1500 plant paintings to the South Australian Museum. These amazing artworks are now kept at the State Herbarium. Some plants have even been named in her honor. These include Acacia ashbyae and Solanum ashbyae.
Awards and Recognition
Alison Ashby received several important awards for her work:
- She was made a Member of the MBE in 1960.
- She received the Australian Natural History Medallion in 1975.
See also
In Spanish: Alison Marjorie Ashby para niños
