Esmé Frances Hennessy

Esmé Frances Franklin Hennessy (30 August 1933 – 20 May 2023) was a South African botanist, botanical illustrator, and author.

> In 1972, Hennessy published her first book South African Erythrinas, which she wrote and illustrated with 15 original colour plates.

[3] Hennessy also created numerous illustrations and botanical descriptions for Flowering Plants of Africa and the American Orchid Society Bulletin.

In 1991, Hennessy agreed to be the scientific editor of Elsa Pooley’s book A complete field guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei.

[2] She exhibited internationally and locally, including the Hunt Institute, Pittsburgh, in 1977, presenting an illustrated lecture on the flora of sub-tropical southern Africa.