Otto Wichterle

scientist

Otto Wichterle
Otto Wichterle · Portrait; not a photograph of this planting.

About the plant

Plant
Cladrastis kentukea
Botanical name
Cladrastis kentukea
Planting year
Year unconfirmed
Planters or representatives
Linda Wichterlová
Mature size
9.1–13.7 m
Flowering
Spring, Summer
Lifespan and documented age
A numerical lifespan range is not established by the references used.
Reading these figures
Taxon characteristics; actual size and flowering in the garden depend on conditions.

Cladrastis kentukea is deciduous and belongs to the Fabaceae family. The NC State species profile lists a height of approximately 9.1–13.7 m.

The listed flowering season is spring, summer. Recorded flower colours include white. Local climate and the weather in a particular year affect the timing and intensity of flowering.

Suitable light conditions listed in the profile are full sun, partial shade. Appropriate soil and moisture also matter; individual plants do not all reach the same size. Lifespan: A numerical lifespan range is not established by the references used.

Plant details and related plantings →

The 2017 annual report records the state at year end but does not establish the planting year.

About the person

Name
Otto Wichterle
Personality type
scientist
Date of birth
Place of birth
Prostějov
Date of death
Place of death
Stražisko
Notable achievements and career
  • Otto Wichterle was a Czech chemist, best known for his invention of modern soft contact lenses.
People and participants
Otto Wichterle · Linda Wichterlová

Otto Wichterle (27 October 1913 – 18 August 1998) was a Czech chemist, best known for his invention of modern soft contact lenses. Wichterle was the author or co-author of approximately 180 patents and over 200 publications.

The studies and independent books covered various aspects of organic, inorganic and macromolecular chemistry, polymer science, and biomedical materials. He held a higher number of patents for organic synthesis, polymerization, fibres, the synthesis and shaping of biomedical materials, production methods and measuring devices related to biomedical products. This was typical of his attitude to scientific research, which, he considered, ought to serve society and its requirements by any means possible, without distinction as to “pure” and “applied” science.

Sources

Biographical facts · en.wikipedia.org

Botanical references

The biography includes an adapted Wikipedia excerpt; paragraph layout and length were changed. Article and contributor history · CC BY-SA 4.0.

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons / Wikipedia · Otto Wichterle · Author: Unknown author Unknown author · CC BY-SA 3.0 cz

Checked: 2026-10-09