BOTANICAL GARDENS
A garden is usually defined as a place for growing flowers, fruits, or vegetables, but, a botanical garden is something more. It is not merely a place for growing flowers, fruits or vegetables, but is an educational institution for scientific workers and laymen to awake interest in plant life. In general, botanical garden is an institution that maintains the living plant collection of different varieties of plants, including the ornamental and cultivated ones, wild, medicinal, or economic importance and/or of special interest of various geographical regions. In other words, a botanical garden is repository of living plants, arranged and maintained on scientific basis and where the collections are usually labelled or marked for identification. A botanical garden contains plant species from several corners of the globe. A major contemporary objective of botanical gardens is to maintain extensive collections of plants, labelled with common and scientific names and region of their origin. As world populations become more urbanised, botanical gardens are increasingly recognised as among the important cultural resources of industrialised nations. Botanical gardens offer the city dweller part of the natural environment that he no longer has access to. Furthermore, they offer a mental escape from population pressure and suggest new interest and hobbies having to do with the natural world. Morever, botanical gardens constitute reservoirs of valuable heritable in the characteristics, potentially important breeding of new varieties of plants.
A display garden that concentrates on woody plants (shrubs and trees) is often referred to as an arboretum.
HISTORY
What can be called the roots of the botanical garden as an institution are traceable to ancient China and many of the countries bordering the Mediterranean. These actually were often centres for raising the fruit trees, vegetables, and herbs used for food and in making the crude medicines. After the discovery of printing, manuscripts on plants, which had been in existence for centuries, became more widely circulated, and these stimulated further publication of description works called herbals. The herbalists and their herbals, in turn, stimulated the founding of botanical gardens. The credit of establishing the first botanical garden of the world goes to Luca Ghini, an Italian Professor of Botany. He established a botanic garden at Pisa, Italy in 1543. Thereafter, Otto Botanico, the botanical garden of University of Padua, Italy, was established by Professor Francis Bonafede in 1545. By the end of 16th century there were five such gardens in Europe, and their number increased to several hundred by the mid-20th century. At first, such gardens were associated with the medical schools. Professors of medicine were mainly the botanists of that time, and their ‘physic gardens’ served for the training of students as well as for growing plants to make medicines. But they served in other ways as well. Carolus Clusius, a noted botanist of the 16th century, for example, brought together an extensive collection of flowering bulbs at the botanical garden in Leiden, Netherland, which proved to be the beginning of the Dutch bulb industry. Oxford University Botanic Garden (Oxford), Jardin des Plantes (Paris), Botanischer Garten (Berlin), Botanical garden of Uppasala (Sweden) and Royal Botanic Garden (Edinburgh) were some important botanical gardens established during the 17th century.
In the early 1800s, Jean Gesner, a swiss physician and botanist, noted that by the end of the 18th century there were 1,600 botanical Druggist’s Garden of gardens in Europe. Druggist’s St. Petersburg (Russia), Botanical Garden of Vienna (Austria), Royal Botanical Garden (Kew), Botanical Garden of Coimbra (Portugal) and Indian Botanical Garden (Kolkata) were some important botanical gardens established during the 18th century.
During the 19th century, the Jardin Botanico de Rio de Janerio (Brazil), Botanic Garden of New South Wales (Sydney), Conservatoire of Jardin Botaniques de Geneva (Geneva), Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis), Arnold Arboretum (Harvard, U.S.A.), New York Botanical Garden. (New York) were established. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the science of botany took form, and many of the important botanists of the period were Directors of the botanical gardens of their day. Since that time, the classical botanical garden as a teaching and medicinal garden declined, to be replaced by gardens devoted mainly to plant culture and display of ornamental plants and plant groups of special interest.
At present, almost every university with a Botany department has a botanical garden. Botanical Garden, National Museum of Natural History (Beijing), The Jardin Botanique de Montreal (Canada), Botanical Garden of Forest Research Institute (Dehradun, Uttrakhand) and National Botanic Garden (Lucknow) are some important botanical gardens established during the 20th century.
The larger collections of living plants constitute a formidable resource for professional scholars; but more importantly, they provide a rich opportunity for the general public to learn more about plants and how to grow them. In modern times botanical gardens constitute reservoirs of valuable heritable characteristics, potentially important in the breeding of new varieties of plants. Historically, England’s Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are most famous for their collecting expeditions and for the distribution of economic plants to parts of the world where they could be grown most successfully. Kew is responsible for the wide popularity and spread of such plants as the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), pineapple, banana, tea, coffee, cacao, various timbers, and cinchona (yielding quinine) and other drug yielding plants.
Role of Botanical Gardens
The main objectives and functions of botanical gardens are as follows:
(1) They are living repository of plants of the country and also of selected exotic flora.
(2) They are centres of conservation of plant resources.
(3) They are homes for rare and endemic species.
(4) They house germplasm collections of selected ornamental, economic and medicinal plants and their wild progenitors.
(5) They are places for propagation of rare and threatened plants.
(6) They help in introduction of economic and commercially important plants.
(7) They generate awareness about the value of plants, and educate the general public about the importance of plants.
(8) They provide aesthetically pleasing environment and thus play a major role in providing sound mental health.
(9) The botanic gardens with their living collections, seed banks, trained specialists and scientists are like an insurance policy mechanism, which provides guarantee against the loss of species.
SOME IMPORTANT BOTANICAL GARDENS OF INDIA
Indian Botanic Garden, Kolkata
Formerly known as Royal Botanic Garden, (now called Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden) is famous for its enormous collections of orchids, bamboos, palms and plants of the screw pine genus (Pandanus). It is one of the greatest botanical gardens of the world and one of the first to be established in the tropics. The garden covers 273 acres of land, on which about 1,700 plant species are cultivated. In the beginning, the total area of the garden was 313 acres but in the year 1820 forty acres of land lying on the eastern side of the garden was gifted to the then Bishop of Kolkata for the establishment of a college. This botanic garden was founded in 1787 by the East India Company, primarily for the purpose of acclimatizing new plants of commerical value and growing spices for trade. Lt. Col. Robert Kyd (1787-1793) was its first Director.
A major change in policy, however, was introduced by the botanist William Roxburgh after he became Superintendent of the garden in 1793 Roxburgh brought in plants from all over India and developed an extensive herbarium. This collection of dried plant specimens eventually became the Central National Herbarium of the Botanical Survey of India, which comprises 2,500,000 items. This garden was headed by many eminent botanists as Directors including N. Wallich, W. Griffith, T. Anderson, George King, David Prain, D. Chatterjee, and several others. Over the years attractive display gardens for the public have been developed and many kinds of plants have been cultivated for scientific observation. During the 1970s the garden initiated a program to introduce improved food plants and other varieties of economic benefit to the people of India. The best known landmark of garden is an enormous banyan tree (Ficus bengalensis) that is more than 300 m in circumference and thought to be more than 300 years old. The palm houses, nurseries, various interesting shrubs and trees, the amazon lily (Victoria amazonica) further add to the beauty of the garden. The garden, with its herbarium is second to none in the East and has played a significant role in the floristics and botany of India since its inception. It continues to serve as a centre of intense taxonomic activity.
Among important publications of the garden include the ‘Annals of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kolkata’, published since 1887.
National Botanic Gardens, Lucknow
Presently known as National Botanical Research Institute and is popularly known as Sikander Bagh, a name given by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah after his beloved Begum Sikander Mahal. Sikander Bagh, originally laid out by Nawab Sadat Ali Khan (1789-1814), was converted into a botanic garden in 1946 by Professor K. N. Kaul, its first director. The present garden is spread over about 75 acres of land on the south bank of river Gomti. A beautiful lake located in the garden has a very good collection of aquatic plants including lotus and several varieties of Nymphaea. The conservatory with large number of shade loving species is situated in the south western portion of the garden. Palm, orchid and cactus houses are the beauty of the garden. Adjoining the palm house is the hydroponicum where several varieties of vegetables, fruits and flowering plants are grown in water and gravel cultures. Attached with the garden is the herbarium having a representative collection of Indian flora including lower plants. It has well-equipped laboratories of plant morphology, aromatics, cytogenetics, plant breeding, tissue culture, virology, palynology, plant physiology and entomology. The garden has an added experimental research station at Banthra, about 20 km from Lucknow.
Lloyd Botanic Garden, Darjeeling
Lloyd Botanic Garden was started as a branch of the Royal Botanic Garden, Kolkata on a 40 acre land, donated by William Lloyd in 1878. Thus, it was named after his name as Lloyd Botanic Garden. The garden is situated at an elevation of about 2,000 m in the East Himalayas. A. G Jeffrey was the first curator of this garden. The progress of the garden was slow in the beginning. However, since 1910, this garden has become a major institution of the distribution of seeds, bulbs, and plants of temperate Himalayas to different parts of the world. The indigenous plants represent more or less the characteristic flora of the Sikkim Himalayas. The garden has an endless variety of evergreen and deciduous plants. Its charming terraces and slopes and beautiful combination of plants from various countries of the world leave an indeliable impression on the minds of visitors. The beautiful alpine plants, geraniums, composites, rhododendrons, conifers as well as rock gardens, the conservatories, the herbaceous borders and the annual beds of flowering plants are some of the colourful features of the garden. The spacious orchidarium contains over 12,000 specimens of beautiful orchids representing all habitats. The coniferous section is rich with more than 45 species including australian Callitris, majestic deodar, silver fir, hemlock, himalayan spruce, cycads, and maiden hair tree (Ginkgo biloba). Herbarium of over 30,000 common species of Eastern Himalayas and rosary are its major attractions.
Saharanpur Botanic Garden, Saharanpur
Initially known as Farhat-Baksh, the Saharanpur Botanic Garden is one of the oldest existing gardens in India. It was established in 1750, and was originally a pleasure ground of a local chief. In 1817, the garden was acquired by the East India Company.
The garden is spread over an area of about 68 ha. It is only second to Indian Botanic Garden in terms of National significance for its contribution to science and national economy.
The garden has played a significant role in the introduction and acclimatization of medicinal and economic plants. New varieties of different fruits especially mango, litchi and citrus have been raised in the garden.
The garden has a rich collection of tropical and subtropical fruits, flowers and vegetables.
Lalbagh, Bangalore
Lalbagh was established by Hyder Ali in 1760, when he took throne of the Mysore state. In 1799, the garden was taken over by the East India Company. It was handed over to the Chief Commissioner when British took over the state of Mysore. The garden has now become the guiding centre for horticultural research and extension in whole of the Karnataka state.
The garden covers an area of about 100 ha with 12 ha of water surface. There are about 2,000 species of native and exotic plants of wide ranging diversity. The garden has been an important centre for introduction, acclimatization and multiplicationof plants from various parts of the world. Some of the exotic species introduced by the garden include Agathis, Bambusa spp., Cola acuminate, Corypha umbraculifera, Swietenia mahogoni and Magnolia. There are a large number of species of indigenous ornamental and economic plants. These include Bombax ceiba (with the trunk girth of over 10.5 m), Ficus krishnae (with cup-shaped leaves), Dillenia indica and Michelia champaca.
This historic garden has acquired a privileged place among the gardens of the world and is considered one of the best in the east for its layout, grandeur, scientific interest and scenic beauty.
Botanical Garden of F.R.I., Dehradun
This garden, established only in 1934, has done a commandable job of introduction of a large number of plants for developing forest wealth in India. Located in the foothills of Shivalik ranges, it encompasses the scenic beauty and natural charm of the Doon Valley. The garden covers an area of 50ha, of which 40ha has arboretum.
The garden directs efforts towards researches on plant species of forest, industrial and ornamental importance, building up germplasm of woody flora, both indigenous and exotic, and conservation of endangered species.
The garden has one of the richest collection of woody plants in Asia. There are over 2,000 trees, representing 1,000 species. There is also good collection of indoor plants in green houses, glass houses and conservatory. There is also a especially rich collection of bamboos and gymnosperms.
Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram
Formerly known as Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute, it was renamed in the memory of the first prime minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. This autonomous institute, established by the Government of Kerala in 1979 of Thiruvanthapuram, is spread over in an area of 121 ha.
The garden undertook a comprehensive survey of economic plant wealth of Kerala, and to conserve, preserve and utilize it sustainably. It carries out botanical, horticultural and chemical research for plant improvement and utilization. It also offers facilities for improvement and propagation of ornamental plants to encourage the establishment of nurseries and flower trade.
The garden has a collection of 1,000 species of trees and lianas, 1,500 species of medicinal, aromatic and spice plants, 600 species of orchids, 60 species of bamboos, 105 species of palms 165 species of ferns and fern allies, 35 species of cycads and some 50 species of zingibers. There is also a good collection of bougainvillea, aquatic plants, insectivorous plants, wild balsams, jasmines, begonias, water lilies, etc. The garden has largest collection of plants in South Asia.
The major achievements of the garden include ex situ conservation of plants, establishment of National Gene Bank for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, production of bamboo and orchid hybrids, development of tissue culture protocols for rapid multiplication of orchids, bamboos, rattans and medicinal plants, chemical profiling and DNA fingerprinting of medicinal plants. The institute has also developed about a dozen phytomedicines.
A database of the Flora of Kerala has also been prepared. The garden also maintains a herbarium with over 50,000 specimens of plants collected from various parts of Kerala.
The future plans of the garden include to establish a huge arboretum with trees of economic value from India and tropical areas of the world, to establish tissue culture facilities for improvement and easy propagation of fruit and flowering plants, chemical screening of plants of potential medicinal importance and to maintain germplasm collection of plants of economic value of the Kerala state.
SOME IMPORTANT BOTANICAL GARDENS OF THE WORLD
Kew Gardens, Kew (UK)
Formally, known as Royal Botanic Gardens, is located at Kew, site of a former royal estate in the London borough of Richmond upon Tames. The garden was started as the private garden by Sir Henry Capel, an enthusiastic horticulturist who died in 1696. The site was acquired from the Capel family in 1731 by Frederick Louis, prince of Wales, and by Augusta, dowager princess of Wales, who established a garden for exotic plants in 1759. William Aiton took over as its Superintendent. By 1769, it contained more than 3,400 plant species. The garden became famous under the management (1772-1819) of Sir Joseph Banks, and its collections grew to include specimens from all over the world. Under the direction of Sir William Jackson Hooker (1841- 65) and his son Joseph Dalton Hooker (1865- 85), the Kew Gardens became a centre for scientific research and the international exchange of plant specimens. In 1840, the garden was conveyed to the nation, and by early 20th century, its area expanded to the present size of 300 acres. Kew developed the plantation industry of rubber and still plays an important role in plant introduction and as a quarantine station. New greenhouses, including a large Palm House and Temperate House, and Economic museums were set up. Kew is most famous for their collecting expeditions and distribution of economic plants to parts of the world where they could be grown most successfully. Kew is famous for spreading plants such as the rubber tree, pineapple, banana, tea, coffee, cacao, various timbers, and cinchona and other drug plants to several parts of the world.
Kew Gardens contain some 33,400 taxa of living plants, an Herbarium of approximately million dried specimens representing 98 per cent of the world’s plant genera, and a library of some 1,30,000 volumes in addition to archived materials, periodicals, and prints and drawings. The collections of tropical orchids, succulents, tropical ferns and australian plants are exceptionally fine. Since 1965, Kew has administered a botanical ‘out station’ at Wakehurst Place, West Sussex; in 1974 the Kew Seed Bank was established there. Its Jodrell laboratory has best research facilities in cytology, anatomy, genetics and physiology.
Sir William Chambers designed the Orangery (1761), a superb example of Georgian architecture; the Pagoda (1757-62), a 49.7 metre high Chinese- several monuments and style tower; and landmarks. Newer constructions include the Princess of Wales Conservatory (1987), the Sir Joseph Banks Centre for Economic Botany (1990), and a visitor centre (1992). A new Japanese Garden was officially opened at Kew in 1996.
D. Hooker in association with George Bentham published the world famous Genera Plantarum (1862-1883) in three volumes which is still considered as the finest account of the families and genera of seed bearing plants. Among the most important publications of the institution are the Kew Bulletin, Kew Scientist, Hooker’s Icones Plantarum and Botanical Magazine. TheIndex Kewensis maintains a record of all described higher plant species of the world from the time of Linnaeus.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney (Australia)
State-supported botanical garden in Sydney was established in 1816. One of the oldest garden in Australia, it occupies more than 66 acres of land along the shores of Sydney Harbour. The garden has about 5,000 kinds of plants under cultivation. Much emphasis has been placed on planting the native species of Australia, particularly the woody ones, and hence, its collections of Australian trees are extensive. Many exotic varieties, however, have also been planted. Other specialities are palms, cycads, ferns, and orchids. The National Herbarium of New South Wales, situated at the garden, contains approximately one million reference specimens. Although Herbarium has worldwide representation, it specializes in the plants of New South Wales and other areas of Australia.
National Botanic Gardens, South Africa
Also called Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens, is one of the world’s largest botanical gardens, occupying a 1,336 acres site in Kirstenbosch, near Cape Town, Western Cape province, South Africa. The 6,200 species collection consists almost exclusively of plants native to South Africa. The botanic garden was established in 1913 and it includes such beautiful flowering plants as the protea and heather, an enormous number of flowering bulbs, and immense cycads. The garden has 11 green houses that are used chiefly for propagation of rare plants. Three herbaria, with a total of about 3,00,000 specimens are retained at Kirstenbosch.
One of the main objectives of the National Botanic Gardens is to preserve endangered local plant species. Over the years the institution has acquired property in areas that have numerous specimens of plants that are in danger of becoming extinct. It has set aside at least six such sites throughout South Africa as regional gardens or reserves. Karoo Botanic Garden at Worcester, for example, maintains more than 5,000 varieties comprising mostly South African succulents, and the Edith Stephens Cape Flats Flora Reserve specializes in flowering bulbs of the iris and lily families.
Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
Internationally famous for its beautiful landscaping, Royal Botanic Garden was founded in 1670; James Sutherland was its first keeper. It is the second oldest garden in Great Britain. The garden of 62 acres includes 35,000 kinds of plants and features special collections of rhododendrons, representatives of heath family (Ericaceae) andmany asiatic genera. Other interesting features include a demonstration garden, a glasshouse, a herbarium of about 1.75 million dried specimens and a library. The rock garden is considered to be the finest in the world and is remarkable for its Himalayan alpine plants.
Some Other Botanical Gardens of the World
- New York Botanical Garden, New York, bel USA.
- The Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, USA.
- Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, England.
- Australian National Botanic Garden, Canberra, Australia.
- Jardin Botanique de Montet, Montet, France.
- Botanical Garden, Berlin, Germany.
- Saint Petersburg Botanical Garden, St. Petersburg, Russia.
- Beijing Botanical Garden, Beijing, China.
- Singapore Botanic Garden, Singapore.
- Kristenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town, South Africa.
- National Botanic Garden, Shah Alam, Malaysia.
- Jardin Botanico do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Durham Botanic Garden, British Islands.
- Botanic Gardens, Copenhagen.
- National Botanic Garden of Wales, U.K.
