The Garden presents two prestigious awards to scientists at regular intervals. These awards not only honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field of botanical research or horticulture, but they provide opportunities to draw public attention to the ongoing global crisis of plant extinction.
Fairchild Medal
The David Fairchild Medal for Plant Exploration recognizes individuals who have rendered distinguished service to humanity by continuing the legacy of Dr. David Fairchild in: 1) exploring remote areas of the word, using innovative travel itineraries, conveyances, or techniques to discover new plant species or cultivars, or; 2) bringing into cultivation new and important plants that hold significant promise as agricultural or horticultural varieties, or; 3) playing crucial roles in the ex situ cultivation of rare or endangered plant species; or 4) preservation of threatened and endangered habitats and natural communities. The award consists of a medal, a citation, and a $5,000 cash prize presented annually at the Kampong of the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Coconut Grove, Florida.
Recipients
Dr. Scott A. Mori (2007)
Dr. Arturo Gómez-Pompa (2006)
Dr. Thomas Croat (2005)
Professor Francis Hallé (2004)
Dr. Vincent Lebot (2003)
Dr. Ruth Kiew (2002)
Professor Christopher D.K. Cook (2001)
Professor Sir Ghillean and Lady Anne Prance (2000)
Dr. John Dransfield (1999)
Allerton Award
The Robert Allerton Award for Excellence in Tropical Botany or Horticulture is given either in recognition of a specific achievement or to reflect an entire career in tropical plant science. This award is presented in honor of a man who did much to further the causes of botany and horticulture. Robert Allerton's life-long interest in tropical plants is perpetuated in the Allerton Garden on Kaua‘i. This distinguished award consists of a bronze medal and a $1,000 honorarium.
Recipients
Dr. William R. Anderson (2007)
Professor Sir Ghillean Prance (2005)
Dr. Natalie Whitford Uhl (2003)
Dr. Charles Lamoureux (2001, posthumously)
Dr. William McK. Klein, Jr. (1998, posthumously)
Dr. Alwyn H. Gentry (1996, posthumously)
Dr. Warren L. Wagner (1994)
Dr. Sherwin Carlquist (1992)
Professor Armen Takhtajan (1990)
Dr. Peter H. Raven (1988)
Professor J.P. Brenan and Professor Otto Sleumer (1985)
Dr. F.R. Fosberg (1983)
Dr. Harold St. John and Dr. E.J.H. Corner (1981)
Dr. A.C. Smith (1979)
Professor C.G.G.J. van Steenis (1977)
Dr. Richard E. Holttum (1975)
