Coslett Herbert Waddell facts for kids
Coslett Herbert Waddell (born March 6, 1858, in Drumcro, County Antrim – died June 8, 1919) was an Irish priest and a talented botanist. He was known for his important work studying plants, especially mosses and liverworts.
He was related to a famous person named Lillie Langtry, often called the "Jersey Lily," through his mother, Maria Langtry. Coslett Waddell studied at Lurgan and then at Trinity College, Dublin. He earned his first degree (B.A.) in 1880 and a master's degree (M.A.) in 1888.
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His Life as a Priest
Coslett Waddell chose a religious path. He became a deacon in 1881 and a priest in 1882. He served in several churches during his life. In 1890, he became the vicar in Saintfield, and later, in 1912, he became the rector of Greyabbey. Even while working as a priest, he continued his studies and earned another degree, a Bachelor of Divinity, in 1892.
His Passion for Plants
From a young age, Coslett Waddell was very interested in plants. He received help and guidance from another botanist, S.A. Stewart. Starting in 1893, he regularly wrote articles for important science magazines like the Journal of Botany and the Irish Naturalist.
Discovering New Plants
Waddell wrote many scientific papers about plants. He was especially good at studying tricky groups of flowering plants. These included plants like brambles, roses, hawkweeds, and knotweeds. These plants often reproduce in a special way without needing two parents, which creates many slightly different types called microspecies.
He made an exciting discovery in 1913. He was the first person to find the very rare Seaside Centaury (Centaurium littorale) growing in Ireland.
Studying Mosses and Liverworts
Coslett Waddell had a special interest in bryophytes. These are small, non-flowering plants like mosses and liverworts. He was so passionate about them that he suggested starting a "Moss Exchange Club" in 1896. This club allowed members to trade plant samples and share information. This small club later grew into the important British Bryological Society.
His Legacy
After his death, a large collection of the plant samples he gathered was given to the Ulster Museum Herbarium in Belfast in 1919. This collection helps scientists today study plants. He also cared deeply about the Belfast Naturalists' Field Club and was an active member of their committee.
Coslett Herbert Waddell passed away in Greyabbey and was buried in Maralin.
