Corner proposed durian-evolution theory

BORN in Yorkshire in 1906, Professor Edred 'John' Henry Corner has been described as one of the most colourful botanists of the century, whose works are often thought-provoking.

-- SINGAPORE BOTANICAL GARDENS

He came up with the controversial 'durian theory of evolution' in which he hypothesised that the durian was among the most 'primitive' of modern fruiting trees.

He came here in 1929 to be the assistant director of the Botanic Gardens, a post he held until 1946.

He played an instrumental role in the creation of Singapore's nature reserves.

He was also known for his work in tropical fungi and, later, for his contributions to tropical-forest botany and ecology. His masterly Wayside Trees of Malaya is still used widely today and has gone through three editions.

Although he developed a stammer when young, he became a brilliant conversationalist in later years. A man of imposing bearing, he did not suffer fools and could be stubborn or irascible.

He was diagnosed with glaucoma in 1975, and died of old age at Cambridge in 1996. He was 90 years old. At the Botanic Gardens, the house where he used to stay, 'Corner's house', is now the Au Jardin restaurant.