(Source: Flora Malesiana ser. 1, 1: Cyclopaedia of collectors, Addenda & Corrigenda)

(Source: Flora Malesiana ser. 1, 5: Cyclopaedia of collectors, Supplement I)

(Source: Flora Malesiana ser. 1, 8: Cyclopaedia of collectors, Supplement II)

Born: 1874, Oudenbosch, Holland. Died: 1963, Heemstede, N.H., Netherlands.

career:

A schoolmaster who came to the D.E.I. in 1901 and when stationed at Weltevreden (Batavia) at once enthusiastically started collecting and studying Java plants. He came into touch with Treub, at that time Director of the Botanic Gardens at Buitenzorg, through whose intermediary he was appointed at the Herbarium of the said institution in 1905, since 1914 Botanist for the Java flora. He spent many years in travelling in order to get the required materials for a flora of Java.¹

He was pensioned off at the end of 1924 and after that was temporarily employed by the Experiment Station for the Java Sugar Industry at Pasoeroean (1925-31) for composing a weed flora of the Java sugar-cane fields.² When the latter book was finished he left for Holland, settling at Heemstede (near Haarlem), where he up till now is engaged in continuing his work on the flora of Java which is near its completion.

In 1936 he was awarded a honorary Dr’s degree at Utrecht University.

He is the author of a ‘Verklarend Woordenboek’, 1936, many times cited in this cyclopaedia.

Many plants were named after him including the genus Backeria Bakh.f. (Melast.).

Collecting localities:

1903-05. W. Java: environs of Batavia, e.g. at Pepango, Sentiong, Pesing, Doeri, Kemajoran, Bidara Tjina, Mr Cornelis, Tg Priok, Angké, Antjol, Tanggerang etc.; G. Tangkoeban Prahoe (Oct. 2, 1903).-1905-24 collecting many times in the environs of Buitenzorg, e.g. on G. Salak (Tjiapoes, Waroeng Loa), at Dèpok, Semplak, Musing, Tjibinoeng, Tjilodong, Tjisëèng, Koeripan, G. Tjibodas, Tjampea, Leuwiliang, Bodjong Gedeh, Klappa Noenggal,. Batoetoelis, Tjiogrèk, G. Gedeh (Tjibodas), Tjianten, Bolang, Djasinga.-1906. With Ernst & Pulle:³ P. Edam (Bay of Batavia) (Apr. 24), Tg Rata (= Vlakke Hoek) (Lampong Distr., S. Sumatra) (25), Java’s Eerste Punt (W. Java) (25), Krakatau & Verlaten Eiland (26).-1908. Krakatau & Verlaten Eiland (May 4-5), Lang Eiland (6).⁴-1911-15, travelling all over Java.-1911. Centr. Java: Poerwakarta, Maos (Apr. 11); Batoe Raden (12), G. Slamat (upwards of 1000 m) (13); Batoe Raden, S. slope of G. Slamat (16-22) ; W. Java: environs of Buitenzorg; in Bantam (June 9-July 1): Rangkas Bitoeng, Tjilèlès, G. Kentjana, G. Kendeng, Malingping, Panjawoengan, Bajah, G. Madoer, Langkop, Tjitorèk, Moentjang, Pasir Ajoenan and environs, Rangkas Bitoeng.-W. Java: Tjiandjoer and environs & G. Gedeh-Pangrango (Sept. 13-21). Dec. 21-30 visiting the south coast: Tjibadak, Wijnkoopsbaai, Tjisolok, Tjilètoeh, Zandbaai, Tjikepoeh; Dec. 31-Jan 2, 1912: Pasawahan, Tjiëmas, Palaboehan Ratoe.-1912. W. Java: in Priangan Res. (March 1-5): environs of Bandoeng, Lembang, G. Tangkoeban Prahoe, Nagreh (= Nagreg); trip to Djokja (= Jogjakarta) and the south coast of Centr. & E. Java (Apr. 6-19): Djokja and environs, Wonosari, Kemadang, south coast, Djepitoe, Kalak, Patjitan, Toelahan, Tegalombo, Slahoeng; E. Java (May 27-June 19); Bangil, Malang District near Wonokerto, Soemberwalo, Gondang Legi, Ampel Gading, Kali Glidik, Widodaren (near G. Smeroe), south coast, Soerabaja; W. Java: Leuwiliang & Bolang (July 16-19); trip to Bandjar in the SE. part of W. Java and Noesa Kambangan S of Centr. Java (Aug. 27-Sept. 11): Bandjar, Rawah Lakbok (27), G. Babakan, Tjikawoeng, Rawah Apoe, Tjikembo(e)lan, Tjilatjap, Noesa Kambangan (Sept. 7-8), Bandjar, Wanaredja (11); W. Java: trip to environs of Cheribon (Oct. 17-31): Cheribon, Linggadjati, G. Tjeremai (up to 2210 m), Koeningan, G. Tjeremai (3075 m, crater); Priangan Res. (Nov. 12-Dec. 1): Bandoeng, Garoet-Tjipanas, G. Goentoer, Waspada, G. Tjikorai, Tjisoeroepan, G. Papandajan, Taloen, Tjinjiroean; in Krawang District (Dec. 19-Jan. 1, 1913): Tjileungsi, Klappa Noenggal, Si Boentoe, Goea Gadjah and surroundings, G. Handjawoeng, G. Boetik Boeligir, G. Karang Gantoengan, G. Soenarari. -1913. Centr. & E. Java (Jan. 21-Febr. 12): Solo, Karanganjer, Soemberlawang, Goendih, Koewoem Wirasari, Karangasem, Randoeblatoeng, Ngawi, G. Lawoe, Girimoeljo, Madioen and environs; W. Java, Bantam Res. (March 7-31): Menes and neighbourhood, G. Aseupan, Bandjarwangi, Pasaoeroean (beach), Pandeglang, G. Karang; E. Java (May 6-June 1): Bangil, Pasoeroean, G. Semongkrong, Djatiroto and environs, Besoeki (Asem Bagoes), Kepoeh, G. Abang; W. Java, Priangan Res. (Aug. 9-31): Padalarang, Tasikmalaja, Soekaradja, Singaparna, G. Galoeng(g)oeng, Taradjoe(r), Pasir Walang, Denoe and neighbourhood; Buitenzorg Res. (Sept. 11-30): Pasir Pogor, G. Salak; E. Java (Oct. 12-28) with Jeswiet: G. Semongkrong, Bondowoso, Soemberwangi, Banderan, Jang Plateau; W. Java (Nov. 12-Jan. 1, 1914): Leuwiliang, Djasinga, G. Paniis, G. Kinarima, G. Maneuh, G. Gedeh, G. Angsana, G. Ratnararang and other mts, Nanggoeng, Nirmala, G. Botol, G. Halimoen (Bantam), G. Kendeng, Pasir Kempoeh.-1914. E. & Centr. & W. Java (Febr. 6-Apr. 2): Kediri, G. Wilis, Toeloengagoeng, Prigi and environs, Djokja (= Jogjakarta), Moentilan, Bandoeng District, Tji Sandawoet, G. Semboeng, G. Tampak Roejong, G. Masigit, G. Patoeha (March 23-Apr. 1) (e.g. Telaga Patengan, Rantja Bali, Rantja Walini, Rawah Oepas, G. Tikoekoer), Lembang; E. Java (Apr. 15-May 1): Pasoeroean, Kraksaän and vicinity, G. Argapoero, Padanlaras, Kroetjil, G. Jang, Bondowoso; W. Java (May 17-June 2): Tjiandjoer, Tjibeber and environs, Tjibodas, G. Gedeh-Pangrango, Geger Bintang; in Krawang etc. (June 15-July 1) : Poerwakarta, Tjipinang, Tjikampek, G. Parang, G. Boerangrang, Wanajasa; (July 14-Aug. 3): Soekaboemi, Ngalindoeng, Selabintanah, G. Gedeh, E of G. Panindjoan, Lampegan, Tji Reunghas, Tji Paraj, G. Kate, Tjigoea Estate; Centr. Java (Aug. 31-Oct. 3): Tegal, Brebes, Pekalongan, Batang, Dara, Bandar, Pemalang, Petoeng Kriana, G. Ragadjembangan, Josoredjo, Kendal, Daroepana, Weliri and environs, Cheribon, Indramajoe, Haoer Geulis, Tjipoenegara; W. Java (Nov. l0-30): Tjibadak, Bodjong Lopang (Djampang Tengah), Lengkong, Tjitjoeroeg (Djampang Koelon), Tjiratjap, Oedjoeng Genteng and Tjiletoeh (south coast), Tjiloa (Priangan Res.); E. Java (Dec. 16-Jan. 3, 1915): Bangil, Pasoeroean, G. Semongkrong, Djember and environs, Poeger and G. Watangan (S. coast), G. Sadeng, G. Petoet, Kalisat, Kepoeh, Tarik-1915. W. Java (Jan. 14-Febr. 1): Madjenang, Tji Salak, Wanaredja, G. Tjendana, Pasir Salam; Madoera (Febr. 21-March 29) : Bangkalan, Kamal, Kwanjar, Arosbaja, peninsula SW of Bangkalan, Tanah Merah, Sapoeloe, Sampang, Rapa and environs, Ketapang, Karang Pinang, Pamekasan, Praägan, Pagantenan, environs of Tamberoc, Soemenep, also visiting P. Poeteran (March 27); Centr. Java: Noesa Kambangan (Isl. S of Centr. Java), Tjilatjap (Apr. 9).-1916. P. Weh, N of Sumatra: Sabang (Jan. 27-29); Madoera (June 30-July 6): Arosbaja, Bangkalan, Sa­poeloe, Ketapang Daja, Telaga Biroe, Aperbong, Amboenten, Soemenep, P. Poeteran-1917. Centr. Java: Diëng Plateau (Jan. 21-26), e.g. G. Prahoe; W. Java (June 4-17): Rarahan, Tjibodas, G. Gedeh-Pangrango, Tjiandjoer, Tjidadap, G. Bèsèr, Tjadasmalang, etc., (Sept. 7-11): Tjidadap, Tjisokan and environs.-1918. Centr. Java (Jan. 13-14): Le-bak Barang (S of Pekalongan) and Pemalang; W. Java: Tjilodong near Depok (Jan. 27); Kiara Pajoeng & G. Sanggaboewana (March 28-Apr. 1); E. Java (June 8-24): Pasoeroean, Kepoeh, G. Semongkrong, G. Weni, G. Bentar, Probolinggo, Sitoebondo, Besoeki, Pradjekan, Petjaron, G. Baloeran (17), G. Idjen (l8), Idjen Plateau (19-24); W. Java (Aug. 2-3): Pasawahan, Tjiemas and Zandbaai; in Priangan Res. (Oct. 13-16) : Bandoeng, Rantja Gedeh, Taloen (Estate), Malabar Estate; Tjilodong near Depok (Oct. 27).-1919. E. Java and Madoera (March 6-11): G. Sahari, Soerabaja, Gedangan, Madoera (Bangkalan on the 8th), Soerabaja, Madoera (Soemenep, 11th); Kangean Archipelago (March 13-May 19): e.g. P. Kangean, P. Mamboerit (March 19), P. Saoebi (Apr. 11-13), P. Sapapan (14), P. Sapeken, P. Saseël (17-18), P. Sepandjang (19-26), P. Saeboes (27-28), Bangko (= P. Bangkan?) (29), P. Sapeken (Apr. 30 etc.), P. Paliat (May 1-8), P. Saboenten (= Saboenting) (8-11); Madoera (May 20-21): Kali Anget and Pamekasan.-1920. Centr. and E. Java (March 26-Apr. 19): Salatiga, Rawah Pening, G. Merbaboe, Ambarawa, Solo, Madioen, Pasoeroean, Bantoer, Srigontjo, Besoeki (e.g. G. Kemiri Sångå, G. Idjen (slope), G. Kendeng); W. Java: Lembang and G. Tangkoeban Prahoe (June 16); islands in Bay of Batavia: P. Edam (Nov. 10), Klein Kombuis (11).-1921. W. Java: Tjilodong near Depok (March 15); S. Centr. Java (May 9-11): Kinderzee, Tjilatjap, Noesa Kambangan; islands in Bay of Batavia: Duizend Eilanden & P. Noordwachter (Sept. 8) with van Slooten.-1922. W. Java: Tjilodong near Depok (May 7).-1924. Singapore (Sept. 27).-1925-31 collecting in several places, principally in E. Java, the more important ones mentioned below.-1925. E. Java: Pasoeroean, G. Semongkrong, G. Tengger (May), Bangil, Grissee, Soerabaja, Oemboelan, Malang; Centr. Java: G. Slamat (Sept.).-1926. E. Java: Pasoeroean, G. Tengger (e.g. Poespo), G. Semongkrong, Ngabob, Redjosa, Sitoebondo, Bangil, G. Ardjoeno, Poedjon, G. Dorowati.-1927. E. Java: Tretes, Lalidjiwo, G. Ardjoeno, G. Welirang, G. Dorowati, N. base of G. Andjasmoro (Modjosari), Zuidergebergte near Malang, Malang, Lawang, Bangil, Soerabaja, Modjokerto, Pasoeroean, Soekapoero, Gondanglegi, Redjosa, Oemboelan, Kepoeh, G. Semongkrong, G. Tengger (G. Bromo, Ngadisari, Tosari), Bantoer, Probolinggo, G. Bolang, G. Patjaran, Besoeki, Idjen Plateau (N. slope on June 10).-1928. E. Java: Tretes, Bangil, Pasoeroean, G. Tengger (Poespo, Nongkodjadjar), Redjosa, Kepoeh, G. Semongkrong, Lekok, G. Smeroe, Gerbo, G. Taroeb (Tiris); Madoera: Amboenten and Sapoeloe; Singapore.-1929. Singapore; Centr. Java: Semarang, Kendal, Kaliwoenga, Pekalongan, Pemalang, Tegal, Cheribon; E. Java: with Skottsberg (see there) visiting G. Ardjoeno, G. Welirang and G. Kembar; Lalidjiwo, Djoenggo, G. Baoeng (near Lawang), Tretes, Malang, Bangil, Pasoeroean, G. Semongkrong (with Skottsberg), G. Tengger, G. Smeroe (Ranoe Daroengan on the S. slope), Bantoer, G. Arak Arak, Bondowoso, Djember, Sitoebondo, Poeger, G. Watangan, Zuidergebergte near Djember (G. Boto), S. slope G. Raoeng.-1930. E. Java: Tretes, Lawang, G. Penandjaän, Bangil, Ngandjoek Madioen, Poedjon, Pasoeroean, G. Tengger (Poespo, Tosari, Nongkodjadjar) (Aug.), Redjosa, Kepoeh, G. Semongkrong, G. Smeroe (Ranoe Daroengan, and Ranoe Pani).-1931. E. Java: Trètès, Poedjon, Malang Plain, Pasoeroean, G. Tengger (Jan. and March), Gerbo, Poeger.

collections:

> 36500 nos in Herb. Bog. [BO];⁵ many dupl. in Herb. Leiden [L] and in Herb. Utrecht [U]. His first collections, made before his being employed by the Herbarium, were without numbers; by now they have mostly been numbered in continuation. The collection 1925-31 (exceeding 3000 nos) in Herb. Pasoer. [PAS permanently on loan to BO], partly collected with O. Posthumus (1087 nos), a few with Coert, Booberg, van Dillewijn, du Rietz, Radermacher, Skottsberg (68), van Slooten, and van Steenis (see there). Most of the plants collected during the Pasoeroean period were numbered starting at 40000; dupl. in Herb. Bog. [BO], Leiden [L], Groningen [presently mainly in L], U.S. Nat. Herb. Wash. [US] (112). He brought many living plants for Hort. Bog.

literature:

(1) C.A. Backer: ‘Flora van Batavia’ (1907); ‘Voorlooper eener schoolflora voor Java’ (1908); ‘Schoolflora voor Java’ (1911); with Dr D.F. van Slooten: ‘Geïllustreerd handboek der Javaansche theeonkruiden etc.’ (Batavia 1924); ‘Handboek voor de flora van Java’ (1924-28); with O. Posthumus: ‘Varenflora voor Java’ (1939); ‘Beknopte flora van Java’ (mimeographed emergency edition, 7 parts, 1940-48); and several papers, partly in ‘De Tropische Natuur’.

(2) ‘Onkruidflora der Javasche Suikerrietgronden’ (Soerabaja 1928-34 + atlas (still not completed)).

Publ. dates in Flora Malesiana Bull. no 5, July 1949, p. 138.

(3) cf. A. Ernst in ‘Die neue Flora der Vulkaninsel Krakatau’ (Zürich 1907) p. 9-39.

(4) C.A. Backer: ‘The problem of Krakatao as seen by a botanist’ (Weltevreden/The Hague, no date); cf. also Jaarversl. Topogr. Dienst 1908, p. 40.

(5) cf. ‘On some results of the botanical investigation of Java (1911-13)’ (Bull. Jard. Bot. Buit. sèr. 2, no 12, 1913, 40 pp.).

biographical data:

Arch. Suikerindustrie 39,1931, p. 687-690; Trop. Nat. 25, 1936, p. 89-90, portr.; Backer, Verkl. Woordenb., 1936; portr. in album no 11 of the ‘Ned. Bot. Vereeniging’; Wie is dat? ed. 1-4;  Vakbl. Biol. 43, 1963, p. 65-66; Taxon 12, 1963, p. 173-177, w. portr., facsim. handwriting; in Backer & Bakhuizen f., Flora of Java 1, 1963, p. xi-xx, w. portr.; Blumea 12, 1963, p. 1-4, w. portr.

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