Cavanilles

Cavanilles is a surname of Spanish origin. It is most closely associated with Antonio José Cavanilles (1745–1804), a Spanish botanist and naturalist who played a leading role in late 18th‑century botany. Cavanilles published numerous works describing the flora of Spain and contributed to the taxonomy and documentation of plant species. His field observations and collections helped advance knowledge of regional floras and the broader patterns of plant diversity.

In taxonomy, several plant taxa have been named in his honor, reflecting his influence on botanical science. Botanical literature from the period and afterwards frequently cites his descriptions and discoveries as foundational to the study of many plant groups.

The surname is carried by other individuals across science, culture, and public life, particularly in Spain and Latin America. Today, Cavanilles appears in historical and biographical references related to science, as well as in contemporary contexts where it remains a family name of Spanish origin.