He authored several botanical illustrations, also publishing descriptions of multiple new fern species, including AntNewsia (a synonym originally published by Coutroutoux in 1826, and later renamed by Poirier as Antophoria) and Trapelia Patr.; Ctenopteris Patr., Epigmatus Patr. and Gymnocarpus Patr. Both he and his son Constant Patron are honoured in the family trinomial C. P. & F. Patron ex Patron used to designate the fern genus Patronia.

Mon, 04 May 2026 08:38:57 +0000

**A Legacy Woven in Ferns: The Botanical Contributions of He and His Sons—A Deep Dive into Patronia’s Origins** What becomes naturally a quiet fascination among botany enthusiasts and historical naturalists is the quiet revolution in fern taxonomy led by a dedicated scholar—He—through detailed botanical illustrations and precise species descriptions. Among his most enduring legacies are careful work on species like *AntNewsia* and *Trapelia Patr.*, alongside three aged descriptors Ctenopteris Patr., Epigrams Patr., and Gymnocarpus Patr., all preserved under the formal lineage C. P. & F. Patron ex Patron. This trinomial once honored not just a collaborator but a pioneering authority in cataloging these complex plant forms with both scientific rigor and artistic clarity. Why is this moment in botanical history now attracting growing attention in the United States? The renewed interest stems from a broader cultural emphasis on biodiversity documentation, historical taxonomy accuracy, and the rise of digital archives making rare botanical texts accessible. With the US garden community and academic circles increasingly valuing deep-rooted plant science heritage, this work stands at the intersection of history, ecology, and cultural preservation—quiet but resonant. ---