George William Francis

George William Francis (1800–9 August 1865) was an English horticulturalist and science writer.

Born in London, Francis emigrated to Australia for improved prospects of supporting his family; he arrived in the Louisa Baillie on 2 September 1849.

He was then appointed director of the Adelaide Botanic Garden, a position he held for the rest of his life.

[1] Francis died of dropsy on 9 August 1865 and was buried the next day, leaving a widow and ten children.

Hakea francisiana, an Australian shrub that grows to 4 metres (13 ft), is named after him.