Ken Hill (botanist)

Ken Hill (1948 – 2008) was an Australian botanist, known for his work on the taxonomy of Australian plants, particularly Eucalyptus, Grevillea, and Cycas. He worked for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, and later as a private consultant.

Hill made significant contributions to our understanding of Australian flora through extensive fieldwork, detailed morphological studies, and the application of molecular techniques in plant classification. He described numerous new species and revised existing classifications, resulting in a substantial body of published work. His publications include numerous papers in journals such as Telopea and Australian Systematic Botany, often co-authored with other botanists.

Hill's work on Eucalyptus involved clarifying species boundaries and relationships within this complex genus. He also published important research on Grevillea, contributing to a more accurate understanding of its diversity. Notably, his research on Cycas led to a major revision of the genus, particularly in Australia, resulting in the recognition of many previously undescribed species.

Hill's contributions were not without controversy, as his taxonomic decisions sometimes differed significantly from those of other botanists. However, his work stimulated debate and further research, ultimately advancing our knowledge of Australian plant diversity. His work continues to be influential in the fields of botany and conservation.