Famous Botanical Gardens in Mauritius [Back]
Mauritius, renowned for its rich biodiversity and lush landscapes, is home to several botanical gardens that serve as centers for conservation, research, and public education. These gardens offer visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse array of plant species, reflecting the island's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. Here are some of the most notable botanical gardens in Mauritius:
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden
Located in Pamplemousses near Port Louis, the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, commonly known as the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, is the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere. Established in 1770 by Pierre Poivre, the garden covers an area of around 37 hectares. It is renowned for its long pond of giant water lilies (Victoria amazonica), as well as its collection of spices, ebonies, sugar canes, and 85 varieties of palms from Central America, Asia, Africa, and the Indian Ocean islands. Many trees have been planted by world leaders and royalty, including Princess Margaret, Indira Gandhi, François Mitterrand, and Robert Mugabe.
Curepipe Botanic Gardens
Situated in Route des Jardins, Curepipe, the Curepipe Botanic Gardens, also known as the SSR Botanical Garden of Curepipe, is the second-largest botanical garden in Mauritius. Established in 1870, the garden covers an area of roughly 27 acres and features a relatively informal layout with a river, lake, and a collection of exotic and endemic plants. Notably, it houses the world's rarest palm tree, Hyophorbe amaricaulis, the only known specimen of its species. The garden also includes a Victorian-style gazebo used for community events.
Vallée d'Osterlog
Vallée d'Osterlog, or Osterlog Valley, is a botanical garden dedicated to Mauritian endemic species and a rehabilitated indigenous forest. Founded on June 11, 2014, the 275-hectare garden is located in the region of Le Val, near the Le Val Nature Park in the south-east of the island. Nestled between Mount Lagrave and Mount Laselle in the Creole Mountain range, the garden serves as a sanctuary for native flora and offers visitors a chance to experience Mauritius's natural beauty.
Monvert Nature Park
Monvert Nature Park is a nature walk, arboretum, botanical garden, and rehabilitated indigenous forest situated in Forest Side, Curepipe. The area was initially a dense indigenous forest that was logged in the early 1900s. Between 2001 and 2006, the remaining area was set aside for conservation due to its high biodiversity, leading to the establishment of the nature park. Managed by the Mauritian National Forestry Service, the park features a visitors' interpretation center with displays on biodiversity and invasive species, an arboretum with over 150 labeled endemic and indigenous species, and nature trails through recovering indigenous forest.