Abel Aken Hunter (September 18, 1877 – April 6, 1935) was an American botanist notable for his contributions to science primarily in the collection of the orchids of Panama. From 1915 to 1935, he was a team member on scientifically significant orchid hunting expeditions with many of the collectors and researchers of the day: Charles Powell, George Pring, Carroll Dodge, Julian Steyermark, and Paul Allen. He earned his reputation in field work as an outgrowth of his friendship with Charles Powell. In a unique period in Panama's history, his first orchid collecting adventure took place with Powell during a fishing trip on the newly man-made Gatun Lake in 1912. By 1915, both Hunter and Powell were living and working in Balboa, Panama. As a hobby, Powell started an orchid garden. Beginning in 1