Volney Rattan

Volney Rattan (May 23, 1840 – March 4, 1915) was an American botanist (collector and teacher) who spent most of his professional life in California. He botanized in remote and wild areas of northwest California, finding many species new to science. He corresponded with eminent botanists Asa Gray and George Engelmann, and sent specimens to them. He was an inspiring teacher, and wrote books to help those with botanical interests to learn principles of taxonomy, and to help them identify native plants of California. Many plant species have been named after him.