Kunth's notable contributions include the publication of Nova genera et species plantarum quas in peregrinatione ad plagam aequinoctialem orbis novi collegerunt Bonpland et Humboldt.

His interest in botany was sparked when he met Alexander von Humboldt, who facilitated his attendance at lectures held at the University of Berlin.

Following his death in 1850, the Prussian government acquired Kunth's botanical collection, which subsequently became part of the esteemed Royal Herbarium in Berlin.

Although Bonpland initially named the genus Kunthia in his honor (now considered synonymous with Chamaedorea).

[2] Additionally, Gaudichaud named a Hawaiian fern species, Doodia kunthiana (family Blechnaceae), after him.