Botanical Gardens are located all over the world from Fiji to Hawaii, London and even Phoenix, Arizona
Everyone loves a good flower. Just like Zoos, Botanical Gardens like to share the species/animals/plants of their environs and protect those other species that are becoming more and more endangered!
The protection of species will become more and more important as climate change impacts the habitats in which these plants grow. Like animals that are on an “Endangered Species List” plants are given the same kind of consideration. Plants that are on the “List” are often not the showy colorful versions that you are so accustomed to. Most of the worlds favorite flowers have already been cultivated and spread throughout the world. Certain species however may be more prone to dying out as climates change around the world.
In the U.S., the U.S. Botanic Gardens plays the role of watchdog over the plants deemed rare and endangered for the United States. Their website shows a gallery of those plants that are at risk. In many instances those plants are not showy flowers like those in most botanic gardens. Their value in many instances are still unknown. Research on beneficial plant uses could still turn up cures to many of the worlds diseases!
http://www.usbg.gov/gardens/rare-and-endangered-plants-gallery
Phytochemicals have been studied for years as a cure for Cancer
The study and use of phytochemicals is now recognized by the American Cancer Society as a beneficial treatment for some cancers. While not a placebo for a lot of things, it just shows what we don’t know about plants and their benefits for our health. All the more reason why we should try to protect all species. Who knows when one might provide us with “The Cure”!
Hawaii’s Tropical Botanical Garden
On the Island of Hawaii with our friends Bill and Nancy, I found a spectacular botanical garden just North of Hilo. Hawaii, as an island chain in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, may be fairly well protected from the vagaries of the jet stream and polar vortex shifts that occur as our atmosphere heats up.
The Tropical Botanical Garden North of Hilo is Rich in Diversity!
A Museum of Living Plants
As explained in their website, “The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a museum of living plants that attracts photographers, gardeners, botanists, scientists, and nature lovers from around the world. The Garden’s collection of tropical plants is international in scope. Over 2,000 species, representing more than 125 families and 750 genera, are found in this one-of-a-kind garden.”
Enjoy some of the photos below…
The Plumeria epitomizes Hawaii!
As does the Hibiscus…
Bird of Paradise
Don’t Forget the Orchids!
The views are spectacular and the weather is perfect!
Garden in a Valley on the Ocean!
Where’s your closest Botanical Garden?
If you don’t know where your closest garden is or if you are going to be traveling somewhere exotic and want to visit one, please visit the wiki link below that identifies all the botanical gardens of the world!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_botanical_gardens
Support Your Local Botanical Gardens!
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