John Reeves (naturalist) facts for kids
John Reeves (born May 1, 1774 – died March 22, 1856) was an English naturalist. He became famous for collecting many Chinese drawings of animals and plants.
Who Was John Reeves?
John Reeves was born in 1774 in West Ham, Essex. He lost his parents when he was young. He went to Christ's Hospital school. After school, he started working with a tea merchant. His great knowledge about teas helped him get an important job. In 1808, he became an inspector of tea.
John's Work in China
In 1812, John Reeves moved to China. He worked for the British East India Company. This company was a big trading group. His job was to help with the tea trade. But John also loved nature. He helped bring many garden plants to the West. One famous plant he introduced was Wisteria.
Discovering Plants and Animals
John Reeves was very good at finding new plants and animals. He sent many samples to the Horticultural Society of London. This group studied plants. He also wrote to Sir Joseph Banks, a famous scientist. John often sent Banks new plant and animal samples.
He was also interested in Chinese astronomy. This is the study of stars and planets. He also learned about Chinese herbal medicine. He worked with Robert Morrison. Morrison was a missionary and expert on China.
John Reeves even sent a special type of fungus to Britain. It was called the caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis). This fungus grows on caterpillars.
Reeves's Legacy
John Reeves returned to England in 1831. He lived in Clapham. Many of his amazing Chinese drawings are now kept. They are at the Lindley Library. This library is part of the Royal Horticultural Society.
John Reeves is remembered in the names of several animals. These include Reeves's muntjac, a type of deer. There is also Reeves's pheasant, a beautiful bird. Four types of reptiles are also named after him:
- Gekko reevesii (a gecko)
- Leiolepis reevesii (a lizard)
- Mauremys reevesii (a turtle)
- Scincella reevesii (a skink)
