Ynés Enriquetta Julietta Mexía was a Mexican-American botanist notable for her extensive collection of novel specimens of flora and plants originating from sites in Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, Via NPS.org

Ynes Enriquetta Julietta Mexia was one of the most successful botanists and female plant collectors of her time and she did not begin her career until she was 55 years old. She was accomplished not only in the number of plants she collected but also in the number of miles she traveled. Mexia spent 13 years traveling the Americas, often alone, collecting thousands of plants on her way. She was a fierce conservationist and was an early pioneer in fighting to preserve the redwood forests of Northern California. She was assertive, brave, and not afraid to challenge racism, sexism, ageism and more in her impressive and amazing career.

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