Iowa State University


Inside Iowa State
November 20, 1998

Book highlights 60 years of study

After nearly 60 years of studying the legume (bean) family, Duane Isely, professor emeritus of botany, has completed the first comprehensive reference to the U.S. species of this large and economically important family. The publication of Native and Naturalized Leguminosae (Fabaceae) of the United States (Brigham Young University Press) was announced Oct. 24 at a reception celebrating Isely's 80th birthday and showcasing the new book. (For purchasing information, contact Deb Lewis, 4-9499, dlewis@iastate.edu.)

This publication is the first to provide descriptions and a means of identifying all of more than 1,200 species occurring outside of cultivation in the 48 contiguous states. Distribution maps of most of the species, comments on their occurrence, uses, technical descriptions and characteristics for recognition of the species also are included in the 1,000-plus-page book.

Isely came to Iowa State in 1944. During his career, he contributed more than 10,000 specimens to the herbarium.

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Revised 11/19/98