Pretoria National Botanical Garden
Gauteng
Pretoria National Botanical Garden is one of South Africa's nine National Botanical Gardens, established in 1946 on land previously part of the University of Pretoria's Experimental Farm. It spans 76 hectares in eastern Pretoria and features a central rocky ridge running east to west. The garden hosts a variety of specialized plant collections including wetland, cycad, succulent, medicinal, and useful plants gardens. It also includes facilities such as a restaurant, concert stage, tea garden, and function hall near an artificial waterfall. The National Herbarium, Biodiversity Centre, and Environmental Education Centre are located centrally, with the Mary Gunn Library housed within the Herbarium. The garden serves as the headquarters of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), emphasizing its importance in research and conservation. Visitors can explore the Dassie walking trail along the ridge and enjoy natural grasslands and an arboretum on the eastern side. The garden balances scientific research with public enjoyment, offering a peaceful urban oasis rich in biodiversity.
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Astuce: Visit during spring and early summer to experience the garden in full bloom. Purchase tickets in advance during peak seasons to avoid queues. The garden offers educational tours and events, so check the official SANBI website for updated schedules. Visitors benefit from on-site amenities including a restaurant and tea garden. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Wear comfortable walking shoes to enjoy the various trails and plant collections fully.
Faits intéressants
- •The garden contains an avenue of Bolusanthus speciosus trees planted in 1946 by Mr Jan Evens.
- •It is home to the Mary Gunn Library, which is part of the National Herbarium and contains extensive botanical literature.
- •The garden was created on land that was previously an experimental farm abandoned due to the presence of the poisonous plant Dichapetalum cymosum (poison leaf).
- •The Pretoria National Botanical Garden serves as the headquarters of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).
- •The garden features a Dassie walking trail along its central rocky ridge, offering unique views and encounters with local wildlife.
Histoire
The garden was established in 1946 after the University of Pretoria approved converting part of its Experimental Farm, which had been abandoned due to poisonous plants, into a botanical garden.
Officially opened in 1958 primarily as a research facility under the Botanical Research Institute, it was initially accessible only by special arrangement.
In 1984, the garden opened daily to the public.
The Botanical Research Institute merged with the National Botanical Gardens of South Africa in 1989 to form the National Botanical Institute, which was later renamed the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) in 2004.
Since then, the garden has evolved as both a research hub and a public space.
Guide du lieu
Wetland Garden
A section showcasing plants adapted to wet environments, supporting diverse aquatic and semi-aquatic species.
Cycad Garden
Dedicated to cycads, ancient seed plants known for their unique appearance and evolutionary history.
Succulent Garden
Features a variety of succulent plants adapted to arid conditions, highlighting their diversity and survival strategies.
Medicinal Garden
Displays plants traditionally used for medicinal purposes, educating visitors on ethnobotany and healing plants.
National Herbarium and Mary Gunn Library
Central facilities housing extensive botanical collections and literature, supporting research and education.
Dassie Walking Trail
A scenic trail along the central rocky ridge, offering views of natural grasslands and opportunities to observe local fauna such as dassies (rock hyrax).
Contact
Téléphone: 012 843 5071