Larry Leach (botanist)

Larry Leach (1909 – 1996) was a South African botanist renowned for his extensive work on succulent plants, particularly those belonging to the genera Euphorbia, Aloe, and Stapelia. He collected extensively throughout Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia), Mozambique, Malawi, and Angola. Leach's detailed descriptions and illustrations contributed significantly to the understanding and classification of many succulent species. He is formally recognized in botanical nomenclature as "L.C.Leach."

Leach initially worked as a surveyor and engineer before pursuing his passion for botany. This background provided him with practical skills that aided his fieldwork. His meticulous observations and comprehensive collections, often made in challenging environments, are invaluable resources for botanical research. He published numerous scientific papers and contributed to several floras, establishing himself as a leading authority on the succulent flora of Southern Africa. He is commemorated in the names of several plant species.