Couroupita guianensis (Cannonball tree; Monkey apricot).
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro), is recognised as one of the great tropical botanical gardens of the world. The garden is protected by the Brazilian Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional and was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1992.
The garden was founded in 1808 by Prince Regent John of the United Kingdom of Brazil and Portugal, who later became King John VI. It is located on a 140-hectare site (ca. 345-acres) below the mountainous peaks of the Tijuca National Park (, home of the ubiquitous Christ the Redeemer statue (Christo Redentor). In fact, the statue is visible at nearly every turn while making your way through the garden. It is after all, 30 metres high (ca. 100 feet), excluding its 8-metre pedestal (26 ft), and its open arms stretch 28 metres (92 feet).
The Christ the Redeemer statue at the summit of Mount Corcovado.
The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden has more than 9,000 specimens from about 1,500 different species of tropical plants, including those of the Leguminosae, Arecaceae, Myrtaceae and Bignoniaceae families. The garden also has an herbarium containing approximately 330,000 reference specimens, an extensive library, and a state-of-the-art research laboratory. There’s lots to see, so Samba on over and take a look.
Philodendron undulatum.
Bambusa multiplex.
Victoria amazonica.
The enormous tabular roots of the Ceiba pentandra (Kapok tree).
Friar Leandro, director of the garden between 1824 and 1829, had a large mound of earth created during the excavation of a lake on the grounds. On what became known as the Friar Leandro Mound, he later built the Cedars House.
Friar Leandro Mound and the Cedars House.
A highlight of the garden is the spectacular Serpa Brandão Tree Alley, which is lined with Roystonea oleracea (Imperial palm) and is aptly nick named (“Palm Tree Alley”). The palms measure about 100 feet high (30 metres) and create a very dramatic effect.
Roystonea oleracea (Imperial palm).
Serpa Brandão Tree Alley lined with Roystonea oleracea (Imperial palm).
At its northwestern tip, Palm Tree Alley leads to the gate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.
The gate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.
The Fountain of the Muses (Chafariz das Musas) is the work of British sculptor Herbert W. Hogg. Made in the late 19th Century in Derby, England.
Fountain of the Muses.
The Christ the Redeemer statue at the summit of Mount Corcovado.
PLAN A VISIT
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden
Rua Jardim Botânico, 1008
Jardim Botânico – CEP 22470-180
Telephone: +55 (21) 3874-1808.
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Opening Hours:
The normal visiting hours are: Mondays, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The garden is open every day, except January 1st, December 25th, and selected other dates. Consult the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden website for additional information.
Tickets:
Adults: R$ 7,00 (ca. US $1.85, £1.45)
Children ages 7 and under: Free
Getting There:
The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden is located in the southern part of the City of Rio de Janeiro along a main avenue between the Lagoa and Gávea districts. Google Maps
Interested in Global Garden Lab’s other inspiration gardens? Check out our Map of Inspiration Gardens.
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