The “Atlas of the Hellenic Flora”, the most important work on the flora of Greece of the 21st century, the work of Arne Strid, a leading and dedicated botanist engaged in the study of the flora of our country for almost 60 years, has been published. Arne Strid collaborates with the botanical department of the GNHM and two of his works have been published by the Museum: “Plants of Olympus” and “Wild Flowers of Greece”, the latter embellished with paintings by N. Goulandris.

This enormous work (both in scientific value and size: 3 volumes, 2131 pages) is dedicated to two real ladies and pioneers of the Goulandris Natural History Museum: Niki Goulandris, founder of the Museum, and the most important Greek botanical collector Elli Stamatiadou, who was the heart and soul of the Botanical Department of the Museum for years.

Specifically, on the dedications page, Strid mentions: “To Niki Goulandris and Elli Stamatiadou for their outstanding contribution to Greek botany”.

In addition, the Herbarium of the Goulandris Natural History Museum (internationally registered with the acronym ATH) is mentioned among the major botanical collections on which this work was based.

About Mrs. Elli, as her close ones and associates used to call her, he writes: “The late Elli Stamatiadou of the Goulandris Natural History Museum was the most important botanical collector of the period 1967-2005, with multiple discoveries to her credit. Her numerous, carefully prepared, and annotated specimens (stored in the ATH Herbarium) remain an important source of data for future studies of the Greek flora. I always fondly remember our outings together”.

Arne closes the introduction of his book: “I hope this Atlas will provide a basis for future studies of the Greek biodiversity, and a means of repaying a part of my debt to this great country.” His debt has certainly been repaid to the fullest and more; now it is upon those who work with the environment of our unique country to continue his legacy.