The Legacy of Richard Evan Schultes

Richard Evan Schultes, known as the 'Father of Ethnobotany,' was a trailblazing scientist who revolutionized the study of traditional plant knowledge and psychedelic research. His groundbreaking work in the Amazon rainforest laid the foundation for a new era of understanding the medicinal, religious, and cultural significance of plants.

Who Is Richard Evan Schultes?

Richard Evan Schultes, born in Boston in 1915, dedicated his life to researching psychoactive and medicinal plants and their traditional uses among indigenous peoples. His work focused on the Amazon rainforest tribes and their shamanistic practices, leading to the discovery of numerous plant species.

Early Life and Education

Despite humble beginnings, Schultes became a renowned explorer and scholar who studied ayahuasca, sacred mushrooms, and psilocybin—the cornerstone of psychedelic research. His research at Harvard University had a profound impact on the fields of pharmacology and ethnobotany.

Contributions to Psychedelic Research

Schultes' exploration of ayahuasca, the