His parents, Johan Adolf Magnusson, an elementary schoolmaster with a talent for practical work, and Sofia, née Olsson, were from Södermanland.
Despite the strictness of his father, which contributed to a difficult childhood for Adolf and his sister, Magnusson developed an early passion for collecting plants, insects, and stamps.
Despite his full-time teaching job, Magnusson continued his studies at the University of Gothenburg, graduating with a Master of Arts degree in 1914, focussing on English, German, geography, and education.
This pioneering work, written in English, detailed the Scandinavian species of this previously underexplored genus of crustose lichens.
Additionally, Magnusson contributed to the renowned book series "Kryptogamen-Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz", specifically covering the families Acarosporaceae and Thelocarpaceae in 1936.
His works often included exhaustive literature surveys of morphology, ecology, and taxonomy, establishing his reputation as a leading figure in lichen research.
[2] In addition to his work in Gothenburg, Magnusson's influence extended to broader botanical circles through his extensive fieldwork and meticulous research.
His efforts significantly advanced the understanding of Scandinavian lichens, making valuable contributions to botanical literature and taxonomy.
Through his persistent dedication, Magnusson established a lasting legacy within botanical institutions, both locally and internationally, and his work continues to be a cornerstone for researchers in the field of lichenology.
His excursions extended beyond Sweden to include parts of Norway, Ireland, and Switzerland, where he collaborated with botanists such as Alfred Frank Fenton and Eduard Frey.
These visits allowed him to study type material and make valuable contacts with other lichenologists, enhancing his research on a global scale.
[2] He issued and distributed the well-known exsiccata Lichenes selecti Scandinavici exsiccati (1927-1952) and, earlier in time, the exsiccata-like set Lavsamling (1920).
[3] Magnusson identified more than 900 lichen specimens collected by Finnish amateur botanist Mårten Magnus Brenner [fi] during the Yenisey river expedition in 1876.
The couple had four children and moved to a terrace house at 26 Fyradalersgatan, Södra Änggården, Gothenburg, in 1924, where they lived near the Botanical Garden.
[2] Magnusson's extensive personal collection of lichens, considered the largest and most valuable ever privately held, was eventually sold to Uppsala University.
[2] Magnusson's work laid the groundwork for future lichenologists, and his methodologies in species description and taxonomy have influenced subsequent generations of researchers.
[2] Adolf Hugo Magnusson received several significant awards and recognitions throughout his career, most notably the Linné prize from the Royal Scientific Society of Uppsala in 1923.
In 1932, he was conferred an honorary doctorate by Uppsala University, acknowledging his extensive contributions to lichen taxonomy and his pioneering research.
[3] He was also an honorary member of the Göteborg Botanical Association, where he served as secretary and treasurer for 33 years, and the American Bryological Society since 1963.