Robert Sweet (botanist)

[1][2] Born at Cockington near Torquay, Devonshire, England in 1783, Sweet worked as a gardener from the age of sixteen, and became foreman or partner in a series of nurseries.

In 1812 he joined Colvills, the famous Chelsea nursery, and was elected a fellow of the Linnean Society.

He published a number of illustrated works on plants cultivated in British gardens and hothouses.

He was charged with receiving a batch of plants allegedly stolen from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.

Robert Sweet received high praise from his contemporaries at his trial and was described as possibly the first practical botanist.