William John Burchell collects Parabouchetia brasiliensis in central Brazil

Background. William John Burchell, an English explorer and naturalist, traveled in Brazil between 1825 and 1830, collecting numerous specimens. He was known for making copious and accurate notes to accompany every collected specimen, detailing habit and habitat, alongside numerous drawings and paintings. After his death, his sister Anna Burchell presented his plant specimens, drawings and manuscripts, both South African and Brazilian, to Kew Gardens, and the insects to the Oxford University Museum.

Collection. On 26 October 1828, Burchell collected a plant in central Brazil, specifically between São Bento and Rio Cangalho in Goiás. This specimen, identified as Heliotropium macrodon, was the only known example of Parabouchetia brasiliensis, a species later synonymized with Heliotropium macrodon.

Legacy. The specimen was described in 1887 by Henri Ernest Baillon as Parabouchetia brasiliensis, the sole species in his new genus. After Burchell's death, his sister Anna Burchell presented his plant specimens, drawings and manuscripts, both South African and Brazilian, to Kew Gardens, and his insects to the Oxford University Museum.