Seychelles, 21 August 2007:
The Seychelles islands are covered with lush green vegetation and colourful
flowers. For travellers who might not have the time to visit several islands, the
Botanical Garden of Victoria is the right place for a crash course in the
flora of the Seychelles.
The Botanical Garden is within walking distance of the town centre, next to
Victoria Hospital at Mont Fleuri on Mahé. The garden covers six
hectares and is remarkably beautiful with huge granite boulders integrated
into the landscape. Visitors can discover about 500 different species
of exotic and native plants, as well as a large number of birds, insects,
mammals, reptiles and fish.
In 1901 the garden was established by Mr. Paul R. Dupont, a Mauritian
agronomist, who was the first director of the Botanic Station until his
retirement in 1934.
Dupont travelled extensively throughout the tropics, returning to the Seychelles
with large plant collections, including anything that could be of value to
the colony: Particularly species that might be developed as commercial
crops. Over the last century more exotic and local plants have been added.
Almost a hundred years after its founding the garden was designated
a National Heritage Site.
A major attraction is the collection of about 50 different palm species, including all six
species of palms found only in the Seychelles. The most amazing example is the Coco de Mer palm. The
leaves are giant and each fruit weights about 20 kg. The Coco de Mer palm
planted by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1956 is with 70 nuts the most fruitful
tree in the garden.
Various fruit trees, including star fruit, mangoes, guava, breadfruit and jackfruit,
flourish throughout the garden. Visitors can also see spice plants (nutmeg,
clove and vanilla), timber (mahagony, teak and pine) and beautiful ornamental
plants. The latest addition to the garden is the Orchid House, with various exotic
and a few endemic (found only on the Seychelles) orchids.
A herd of giant tortoises from Aldabra can be found in a pen. Large fruit bats
hang upside down from the branches high up in the trees.
Visitors can also admire a number of endemic birds, such as the Blue Pigeon,
Sunbird and Seychelles Bulbul. The more observant can discover butterflies,
grasshoppers, lizards, terrapins and fish.
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Descriptions:
1) Bright orange Ixora.
2 & 3) Banyan Tree.
4) The Botanical Garden team.
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In the upper part of the garden visitors can take a break in the
cafeteria Le Sapin. Surrounded by imposing pine trees, the
cafeteria serves light refreshments, including hot and cold drinks,
sandwiches, salads and ice cream. This venue can be rented for
weddings, birthday parties or private meetings.
The information kiosk at the entrance of the garden sells small souvenir
items, postcards, posters, T-Shirts, books, Coco de Mer nuts and brochures
with maps for trekking and mountaineering.
The garden is open from Monday to Sunday between 8am to 5pm throughout the
year, including public holidays. There is an entrance fee of EUR 5 per person,
with free entrance for children below the age of 12. For further information,
please contact the administration office via email
or phone +248 670500.
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