MORALES, Sebastifin A. de, Cuban botanist, born in Havana, Cuba, in 1823. He received his education in his native city, and in 1842 began the publication of "La Aurora," a newspaper, which soon became one of the most influential in Cuba. From 1848 till 1858 he travelled through Europe, Egypt, and Asia, and he published a narrative of his travels under the title of "Viajes de un Viajero" (1860). He contributed numerous papers to scientific reviews about the plants and minerals of his native island and other subjects in natural history until 1868, when he was obliged to emigrate on account of his liberal political views. He then travelled through North and South America, but in 1878 returned again to Cuba. In 1887 he began the publication of his "Flora Cubana," a work in which he has been engaged for many years, and which is an important contribution to the natural history of the West Indies. Morales is a member of several scientific societies.