St. John Plant Science Lab

Did you ever hear of a botanist who harvested 60,000 tons of bark? Here at the St. John Plant Science Lab, the legacy of one such man lives on. The St. John Plant Science Lab, dedicated in 1971, honors Dr. Harold St. John. He was a remarkable botanist and professor at the University of Hawaii. This building stands as a testament to his contributions to the world of botany. Born in Pittsburgh in 1892, Dr. St. John’s life was an adventure from the start. He served in World War I, earned a Ph.D. from Harvard, and even taught at Washington State University before arriving in Hawaii. He chaired the Botany Department here at the University of Hawaii from 1929 to 1958. The St. John Plant Science Lab houses various departments. These include Biology, Botany, Life Sciences, Microbiology, and Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences. Within these walls, research continues in fields like conservation, evolution, and microbiology. During World War II, Dr. St. John took a leave from teaching to lead a critical mission. He ventured into the Colombian jungles to search for Cinchona trees. The bark of these trees was essential for producing quinine, a vital malaria drug. Supply lines had been disrupted by the war. His team’s efforts resulted in a massive harvest of 60,000 tons of bark. This ensured that the fight against malaria could continue. After the war, his work shifted to investigating the impact of radiation on vegetation. This was in conjunction with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. Dr. St. John was a true pioneer. He was especially known for his work on Pandanus. He discovered around 500 new species. He also authored over 400 articles and several books. His most famous work is “List and Summary of the Flowering Plants of the Hawaiian Islands”. Even after retiring from the University of Hawaii, Dr. St. John’s passion for botany burned bright. He continued his research at the Bishop Museum and even taught at the College of Hue in Vietnam. The St. John Plant Science Lab continues to foster the spirit of discovery. It echoes the dedication of the man whose name it bears.