Reflections on the life and work of Richard Abbott (1945–2024).

Richard J. Abbott, a prominent researcher in plant evolutionary biology, passed away in 2024. He was known for his work on plant hybridization, mating system evolution, speciation, and phylogeography, with a particular focus on British and European Senecio. Abbott had a long and successful career, publishing over 200 articles and supervising 20 PhD students. His research on speciation in Senecio was particularly notable, as it demonstrated that new species often go extinct before they can be formally recognized. Abbott was highly respected by his colleagues and will be greatly missed in the scientific community. This text is a collection of personal reflections and tributes from colleagues and collaborators of Richard Abbott, a respected scientist in the field of plant evolution and systematics. The authors discuss their experiences working with Richard, highlighting his mentorship, collaborative nature, and contributions to the field. They also mention specific research projects and collaborations that Richard was involved in, including joint projects with researchers in China. The text concludes with a recognition of Richard's scientific achievements and condolences to his family. [Extracted from the article]