Jens Vahl

Jens Vahl (1796-1854) was a Danish-Norwegian botanist and plant collector. He is best known for his extensive work in Greenland, where he collected and studied the local flora.

Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Vahl studied botany and natural history. He was the son of Martin Vahl, also a renowned botanist. Jens Vahl's career was largely dedicated to exploring and documenting plant life in remote and challenging environments.

Vahl's most significant contributions came from his expeditions to Greenland, beginning in the late 1820s. During these journeys, he amassed a vast collection of plant specimens, many of which were previously unknown to science. He meticulously documented his findings, contributing significantly to the understanding of Greenland's biodiversity.

His botanical collections are housed in various herbaria, including the Botanical Museum in Copenhagen. Vahl's work is remembered for its contribution to the knowledge of Arctic flora and for his dedication to botanical exploration and documentation. Several plant species have been named in his honor. He died in Copenhagen in 1854.