include liaising with overseas collaborators, guest lecturing at universities, attending symposiums, poring over online databases and antique books, examining specimens under microscopes, and often, writing manuscripts.

Taxonomy is one of the world’s oldest professions. The simple definition of taxonomy (derived from its Greek roots taxis: order, arrangement, and nomas: law or science) implies every human being has the “taxonomist” in him to help make sense of the world; even from birth, babies are taught to recognise and name objects.

Taxonomists play a huge role in helping the world understand, classify and name living organisms that make up the dazzling diversity of life. As Mark puts it, “Without taxonomy plants would have no names, there would be no books on useful or medicinal plants, no lists of threatened plants; nobody would know which crops to grow.”

Dr George Staples, a plant taxonomist at SBG specializing in Convolvulaceae (morning glory and our local vegetable kangkong belong to this family), likens taxonomy to a good mystery or detective story that requires astute observation. He says, “Taxonomy is like solving a puzzle using clues that I have to discover using my powers of observation. When I am able to derive an answer, it is extremely satisfying – I have solved another riddle!”