Charles Albert Sumner Robbins

Charles Albert Robbins (February 9, 1874 – January 22, 1930) was an American amateur botanist and lichenologist, known for his extensive work on the genus Cladonia. Despite lacking formal scientific training, Robbins made contributions to the field of botany, particularly in the study of lichens.

Life and career

Born on February 9, 1874, in Stoughton, Massachusetts, Robbins was the son of Charles Orlando and Rosella Robbins. After receiving a primary school education, he entered the grocery business. In the early 1890s, he moved to Onset, a summer resort area in Wareham, Massachusetts, where he spent the remainder of his life. For nearly three decades, Robbins operated a grocery and provision business in partnership with Arthur B. Hammond.

Robbins conducted extensive field studies in the Wareham area, documenting approximately 46 species of Cladonia in the region. He was known for his meticulous approach to specimen collection and identification.