1773-1858

French botanist who traveled on a scientific exploration to South America, Cuba, and Mexico (1799-1804) with Alexander von Humboldt. During the journey, Bonpland collected and described over 6,000 new species of plants. In 1846 he was named professor of natural history at Buenos Aires. While a professor, he undertook a journey up the Paraná River, but was arrested by José Francia, the dictator of Paraguay, who imprisoned Bonpland for nine years.