Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
Anse Etoile
The National Botanical Garden of Seychelles, also known as Victoria Botanical Garden or Mont Fleuri Botanical Garden, is located in Mahé near the capital, Victoria. Founded in 1901 by Mauritian agronomist Paul Evenor Rivalz Dupont, it initially served as an agricultural station before evolving into a public park and conservation site. The garden hosts over 280 plant species, including more than 60% of Seychelles' endemic flowering plants from granitic islands, alongside ornamental and native varieties. Visitors can enjoy unique attractions such as the giant tortoises, which are a popular feature, and specialized collections like the Coco de Mer palms, known for producing the largest seeds in the plant kingdom. The garden also features themed areas such as the Thai and Chinese Gardens, and offers facilities including a cafeteria and an educational kiosk used for yoga classes and private events. As a national monument, the garden plays a vital role in biodiversity preservation through ex situ conservation, propagation trials, and reintroduction programs for endangered species. It is a favored spot for locals and tourists alike, offering beautiful landscapes, photo opportunities, and educational experiences in botany and conservation.
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Consejo: The garden is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., making morning visits ideal for cooler temperatures and better wildlife activity. It is advisable to purchase entry tickets on-site; discounts may be available for residents or groups. Visitors should plan for at least one to two hours to fully explore the diverse plant collections and enjoy the giant tortoises. The garden’s educational kiosk can be booked for private functions or yoga sessions, so early reservation is recommended for such activities. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are advised due to outdoor paths and tropical climate.
Datos interesantes
- •The garden cultivates over 60% of Seychelles' endemic flowering plants from the granitic islands.
- •It is home to giant Aldabra giant tortoises, which visitors can feed.
- •The Duke of Edinburgh planted a Coco de Mer seedling here in 1956, a palm known for the largest seed in the plant kingdom.
- •The garden features themed sections including Thai and Chinese Gardens.
- •It serves as a conservation hub with modern facilities for micropropagation and tissue culture to support endangered species.
- •The garden has an accession number of 500 and cultivates around 150 taxa.
- •It is one of the most visited conservation sites in Seychelles.
Historia
Established in 1901 by Paul Evenor Rivalz Dupont, the garden began as an agricultural station focusing on timber, spices, fruit trees, and other valuable plants for the colony.
Dupont directed the station until 1934, after which the site gradually transformed into a public park with enhanced landscaping.
Over the 20th century, it developed into a key conservation area and national monument, integrating research, biodiversity preservation, and public education.
It now houses departments of Seychelles' Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change & Environment, underscoring its ongoing role in environmental stewardship.
Guía del lugar
Giant Tortoise Enclosure
A popular attraction where visitors can observe and feed the Aldabra giant tortoises, some of the largest tortoise species in the world, symbolizing Seychelles' unique wildlife.
Coco de Mer Palm Collection1956
This collection features the famous Coco de Mer palms, known for producing the largest seeds in the plant kingdom, including a seedling planted by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1956.
Thai and Chinese Gardens
Themed garden sections showcasing ornamental plants and landscaping styles from Thailand and China, adding cultural diversity and aesthetic appeal to the botanical garden.
Educational Kiosk
A facility within the garden used for educational purposes, yoga classes, and private functions, promoting community engagement and learning about botany and conservation.
Contacto
Teléfono: 4 670 537