Notable Botanical Gardens and Reserves in Ecuador [Back]

Ecuador's botanical gardens and reserves play a significant role in preserving plant diversity and offering serene environments for education and recreation.

Parque Pedagógico Etnobotánico OMAERE

Located in Puyo, Pastaza Province, the Parque Pedagógico Etnobotánico OMAERE, meaning "nature of the forest" in the Waorani language, is a reforested tropical forest reserve and botanical garden. Established in 1993, it spans 15.6 hectares and conserves plants significant to Amazonian indigenous cultures, including orchids and species from the premontane humid forest. The park offers guided tours by native guides, providing insights into the traditions and customs of the Shuar and Waorani nationalities.

Jardín Botánico Reinaldo Espinosa

Situated in Loja, this is Ecuador's oldest botanical garden, founded in 1949 by botanist Reinaldo Espinosa Aguilar. Covering 7 hectares, it houses over 1,000 species of native and exotic plants, serving as a living laboratory for research and conservation. The garden features sections dedicated to native trees, orchids, bonsais, Andean crops, medicinal plants, and ornamentals. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes and learn about the region's rich biodiversity.

Reserva Etnobotánica Cumandá

Located near Baeza in the Napo Province, this 36.32 km² reserve comprises cloud forest and botanical gardens. It focuses on the conservation of native plant species and the promotion of environmental education. The reserve maintains collaborations with international institutions, such as the University of Georgia's Latin American Ethnobotanical Garden, to enhance research and conservation efforts.

Jardín Botánico Las Orquídeas

Situated 15 km from Puyo in the Pastaza Province, this 7-hectare botanical garden is dedicated to the conservation of orchids and other species from the premontane humid forest. Established in 1980 by Omar Tello, the garden showcases over 300 species of orchids, 70 varieties of bromeliads, and 38 varieties of heliconias. It also features areas for the cultivation of edible species and serves as a center for environmental education.

Parque Nacional Podocarpus

Spanning the provinces of Zamora Chinchipe and Loja, Podocarpus National Park covers approximately 1,462.8 km² and is known as the "Botanical Garden of America" due to its exceptional plant diversity. The park's ecosystems range from lower montane rainforests to high-elevation elfin forests, hosting over 4,000 plant species, including the romerillo (Podocarpus glomeratus), which gives the park its name. Visitors can explore various trails and experience the rich biodiversity of this protected area.

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