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Durban, South Africa
The 145 hectare Durban Botanical Gardens are world famous for the collection of rare species including the cycad Encephalartos woodii. This heritage site and green leisure zone had pragmatic beginnings in 1849 as a site for growing experimental tropical crops.
The gardens later developed collections of sub-tropical trees, palms and orchids. The Durban Botanic Gardens remains classic botanic gardens, reflecting the universality of the plant kingdom. It has, for over 100 years, had a fine mixed arboretum of African, Asian and American trees. Nowadays the Gardens' mission is continuing research into the flora of South Africa.
The Natal Herbarium contains an outstanding collection of over 100,000 dried pressed and catalogued plants, mostly from KwaZulu-Natal. Another highlight is the orchid house named after Ernest Thorp. It's open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm. To find surrounding hotels near Durban Botanical Gardens, see the links below.
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