Famous Botanical Gardens in Argentina [Back]
Argentina's botanical gardens reflect the country's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. From the historic Buenos Aires Botanical Garden designed by Carlos Thays to the unique cactus collections of Chirau Mita, these gardens offer not only a chance to explore the natural beauty of Argentina but also to understand the ecological importance of native plants and the need for conservation.
Buenos Aires Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays)
Located in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, this iconic botanical garden was designed by Carlos Thays and opened in 1898. Spanning 7 hectares (17 acres), it features over 5,000 plant species from South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The garden is home to several distinct sections, including a Roman garden, a French-style garden, and an Oriental garden. It also contains several sculptures, fountains, and greenhouses, including the English-style greenhouse that was imported from France in 1900. The garden is a peaceful escape in the heart of Buenos Aires and focuses on conservation and botanical research.
Dr. Miguel J. Culaciati Ethnobotanical Garden
Situated in Huerta Grande, Crdoba, this private non-profit garden was established in the 1930s by Dr. Miguel J. Culaciati and his wife. Spanning 3.5 hectares (8.6 acres), the garden features approximately 300 plant species, including native and exotic plants. The focus of the garden is on the relationship between plants and human culture, emphasizing the medicinal, nutritional, and ecological importance of different species. The garden also offers educational programs on plant conservation and sustainable agriculture.
Cascada Escondida Botanical Garden
Located near El Bolsón in the province of Río Negro, this garden is situated within the Loma del Medio - Río Azul Forest Reserve and was founded in 1988. It features a diverse collection of native and exotic trees and shrubs, including species from the Nothofagus and Araucaria genera. The highlight of the garden is its proximity to the Escondida Waterfall, which adds to the serene atmosphere. The garden's focus is on preserving Patagonian flora and ecological restoration.
Alberto Roth Botanical Garden
Located in Posadas, Misiones, the Alberto Roth Botanical Garden was established in 1981 and spans approximately 11 hectares (27 acres). Named after Alberto Roth, a botanist known for his work on the flora of Misiones, the garden is home to over 150 plant species. It includes tropical and subtropical plants from the Paranaense phytogeographic province, and features an orchidarium and a botanical library. The garden focuses on the conservation of the Atlantic Forest ecosystem.
Ca'a Porâ Botanical Garden
Situated in Concordia, Entre Ríos, this 8-hectare (20-acre) botanical garden was founded by Aníbal Oscar Carnevalini. The name "Ca'a Porâ" means "Beautiful Vegetation" in Guaraní. The garden features a mix of native herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees. Its layout includes walking paths through open meadows and shaded areas, and it also houses a small greenhouse and research center focused on local plant species conservation.
Chirau Mita Botanical Garden
Located in La Puntilla, La Rioja, the Chirau Mita Botanical Garden specializes in cacti and succulents. Established in 2003, it spans 10,000 square meters and features over 1,400 species of cacti from around the world. The garden's focus is on the conservation of rare and endangered species, and it works with botanical institutions to study and preserve desert plants. The unique collection and specialized research make it a key site for cactus enthusiasts and researchers.