Among the legume researchers that have resided at NYBG, Rupert Barneby (1911–2000) stands apart for the size, scope, and excellence of his publications and for the impact of his work on the growth and curation of the legume collection in the NYBG Herbarium. Associated with Garden for nearly five decades, Barneby was undoubtedly one of the most productive taxonomists of the 20th century, publishing some 7676 pages and describing 1250 new taxa. His immense enthusiasm for plants, his classical literary skills, his meticulous attention to detail and variation, his ability to synthesize mountains of data into structured form, and his propensity to bring lengthy studies to fruition were legendary. For more on Barneby's life and accomplishments, click on the links on the left of this page.