Louis Gentil

M. Louis Gentil (July 15, 1868 - June 12, 1925) was a French geologist, explorer, author, and professor. He explored North Africa.^[1][2] He collected rocks and fossils. He discovered Encephalartos laurentianus in 1902. Louis Gentil Field, an abandoned airfield in Morocco, is named for him. The city of Youssoufia in an area where phosphate is mined was known as Louis Gentil. He was a member of the Academy of Sciences.^[3]

He was born in Algiers. He explored the Atlas Mountains and was tasked with exploring the Muluya (Mulucha) valley.^[4] He led the Cherifian Institute. He worked with Jacques Bourcart who succeeded him as its director.