Lucy Moore botanist

Lucy Beatrice Moore (14 July 1906 – 9 June 1987) was a distinguished New Zealand botanist and ecologist known for her contributions to plant taxonomy and ecology. Born in Warkworth, she excelled academically, winning scholarships at Epsom Girls' Grammar School and later earning an MSc from Auckland University College under T. L. Lancaster in 1929. Initially unable to secure academic positions, Moore worked as a zoology demonstrator until 1938. During this period, she collaborated with fellow botanist Lucy Cranwell on fieldwork focused on New Zealand's native flora, producing significant scientific papers. In 1935, the duo traveled to Britain and Europe for botanical studies and research. Moore joined the DSIR (Department of Scientific and Industrial Research) in 1938, focusing on weed science and later the ecology of tussock grasslands. She contributed to the "Flora of New Zealand" series, working with Dr. Harry Allan until his death in 1957. She continued this work with Dr. Elizabeth Edgar, publishing Volume II in 1970. After retiring in 1971, Moore remained active, completing works like "The changing vegetation of Molesworth station" (1976) and co-authoring "The Oxford Book of New Zealand Plants" (1978). She continued lecturing until 1986, including the Lucy Cranwell Lecture. Moore received numerous honours, including fellowships in the Linnean Society of London and the Royal Society of New Zealand, medals for her contributions, and the Allan Mere Award established in honour of Harry Allan. A park and a native grass species are named after her, and she was celebrated by the Royal Society ...