Lankester Botanical Garden
Cartago
Lankester Botanical Garden, located near Cartago, Costa Rica, is a distinguished botanical garden operated by the University of Costa Rica. It serves as a major research center for orchids and epiphytic plants in Central America and the Caribbean, housing over 3000 species across its 11 hectares. Established originally by Charles H. Lankester in the early 20th century, the garden evolved from a private orchid collection on a coffee farm into a nationally recognized conservation and research facility. Visitors can explore diverse tropical plants, including bromeliads and orchids, and enjoy the unique Japanese garden donated by the Japanese government, featuring traditional elements such as a pond, teahouse, stone lanterns, and bamboo forest. The garden also hosts Costa Rica's largest orchid exhibition, promoting conservation, environmental education, and sustainable use of epiphytic flora. Its designation as a National Center for the Conservation of Flora and National Epiphyte Sanctuary underscores its ecological importance. The garden balances scientific research with public enjoyment, making it a captivating destination for botany enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
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Tip: The best time to visit Lankester Botanical Garden is during the dry season (December to April) when the plants are vibrant and the weather is pleasant. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance for special events like the National Orchid Exhibition. Discounts may be available for students and groups. Arrive early to fully enjoy the garden's diverse plant collections and the Japanese garden. Guided tours are recommended to gain deeper insight into the orchid species and conservation efforts.
Interesting facts
- •The garden houses over 3000 species of plants, mainly epiphytes such as orchids and bromeliads.
- •It is the only botanical garden in Costa Rica with a Japanese garden, inaugurated in 2009, featuring traditional elements like a teahouse and bamboo forest.
- •Lankester Botanical Garden is a major orchid research center for Central America and the Caribbean.
- •The garden was originally part of a coffee farm purchased by Charles H. Lankester in 1924.
- •It hosts Costa Rica's largest orchid exhibition, attracting enthusiasts from across the country.
History
Charles H.
Lankester, an English orchid enthusiast, moved to Costa Rica in 1910 and began collecting orchids.
In 1924, he purchased a coffee farm near Cartago and set aside an area called El Silvestre for orchids and tropical plants.
After his death in 1969, his daughter sold the property to the University of Costa Rica in 1973 with the condition it remained a botanical garden.
The garden became a research center under director Dora Emilia Mora de Retana from 1979, developing orchidology courses and expanding its scientific role.
In 2003, it was redesignated as an experiment station, and in 2005, it was declared a National Center for the Conservation of Flora and National Epiphyte Sanctuary by the Environmental Ministry.
Place Guide
Japanese Garden2009
The only Japanese garden in Costa Rica, donated by the Japanese government and inaugurated in 2009. It features a pond, teahouse, stone garden, stone lanterns, an arch bridge, and a bamboo forest, offering a tranquil cultural experience within the tropical setting.
Orchid Collection
Home to thousands of orchid species, the garden is a vital research and conservation site. The orchids are displayed in naturalistic settings, showcasing the diversity of epiphytic flora native to Central America and the Caribbean.
Contact
Phone: 2511 7939
