Mulford B. Foster

Mulford Bateman Foster (December 25, 1888 – August 28, 1978) was a botanist known by many as the "Father of the Bromeliad" as he was instrumental in the discovery and inauguration of many additional species of Bromeliad to the United States. He with devoted his enthusiasm to hybridizing and contributed widely to the knowledge of the plant species. He was a man of many talents including naturalist, explorer, writer, photographer, artist, horticulturist and a well-respected landscape architect in Florida. Numerous bromeliad flora and fauna found today are named after various Foster relatives members and the genus Fosterella is named in praise of his work.