NEWS from BOTANY 2026
27.03.2026
“Hello Earth – Good News!”
As part of this monthly series on Senckenberg research findings, hich appears in various daily newspapers, this article about the Biotopkartierung was published in the Offenbach Post [pdf in German] on March 21, 2026. The report was prompted by studies conducted on the “wilderness area” at Monte Scherbelino in southeast Frankfurt, which has been allowed to develop undisturbed for several years now. At the foot of the former landfill, diverse, species-rich habitats have developed, which are also home to numerous Red List species.
Newly created biodiverse habitats at the foot of the former Monte Scherbelino landfill site.
Wolfhardt Widdra (23.3.1943-18.2.2026)
On February 18, 2026, Dr. Wolfhardt Widdra, an appointed honorary member of the SGN, passed away in Frankfurt. He was especially interestedin the digitisation of the herbarium collection. In 2008 he had already donated his private herbarium collection to the Herbarium Senckenbergianum.
We are grateful for his commitment to Senckenberg
Happy Birthday!
Prof. Dr. Dr. Horst Lange-Bertalot turned 90 on February 2026. After working at Goethe University he was appointed honorary member of the SGN and is still scientifically active and productive. The eminent diatom taxonomist has described over 2,000 species of diatoms and has donated his collection of types to the Herbarium Senckenbergianum.
We wish all the best for the future.
Congratulations!
Marie Claire Veranso-Libalah has been awarded the “Habilitation” in botany at Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, her former place of work. Her current research focuses on the systematics and evolution of Melastomataceae and Dichapetalaceae.
