A large number of reefs within the inner granitic islands of the archipelago of Seychelles could be entirely lost, unless concerted action is taken soon to control crown of thorns, warns Dr. Udo Englhardt, the expert on on the management of crown of thorns in a...
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Today, there are about 2500 botanical gardens in the world. These gardens play a central role in the ex situ conservation and exploration of global plant biodiversity. People living in densely populated areas go to botanical gardens to get some fresh air and relax in a soothing atmosphere.
The Victoria Botanical Gardens (also called Mont Fleuri Botanical Gardens Seychelles) was established in 1901 by Mr. Paul Evenor Rivalz Dupont (Director of Agricultural Services and Naturalist of Seychelles). Today the Ministry of Environment is responsible for the Botanical Gardens and has its headquarters in it.
The Victoria Botanical Gardens was set up as an experimental garden for crop species during colonial times. However, the functions changed over time and today the garden is used as a park where visitors could enjoy a century of its existence. The Biodiversity Centre on the other hand has been set up with the aim to conserve and propagate the local flora. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the myriad of plants present in the different ecosystems of the Seychelles.
The main objective of the gardens is to contribute towards the national efforts in environmental education, plant conservation, landscape management, passive recreation and ecotourism.
The Botanical Gardens can be reached on foot or by car from downtown Victoria; the walk will take roughly 30 minutes. You can visit the botanical gardens every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission costs 100 SCR (just more than $8 USD). For more information, check out the Seychelles Tourism Board’s website.
Stretching out along 5 acres of Mont Fleuri, the botanical gardens offer visitors a look at Seychellois wildlife. Cannonball Tree is another extremely treasured and unique tree in the gardens. This tree has some of the most beautiful flowers, it gives out a pungent odour and when the fruits drop to the ground they make a loud noise which is similar to that of a cannonball. Durian, Vanilla, Clove, Nutmeg, Guava, Rambutan, Lychee, Starfruit and many other plants are found here. Flowers that are commonly found in the Botanical Gardens are Heliconias, Rose, Frangipani, Ylang- Ylang and Hibiscus.
Coco de mer alley greets you as you enter the gardens. Coco de mer palm produced the world’s biggest nut. In 1956 Duke of Edinburgh planted the most fruitful Coco de mer palm in the Botanical Gardens.
Giant Aldabra Tortoise are found everywhere and other varieties of turtles are part of the Terrapins Pond Enclosure. From fruit-eating blue pigeons to the nectar-sipping Sunbird to Seychelles Bulbul, you will view here. You may also find the Malagasy Turtle Dove, Indian Myna Bird, and more.
The garden also showcases a collection of terrapins locally known as ‘torti soupap’. These dull-coloured turtles are believed to have been introduced from the African continent and Madagascar. These small creatures are known to camouflage themselves in such a way that it will be difficult to distinguish them from other features in the pond, especially the stones.
Among the endemic birds found in the garden are the fruit-eating Blue Pigeon, locally known as the pizon olande, the nectar-sipping Sunbird or kolibri, and the Seychelles Bulbul or merl.
There are more than 150 species of plants and trees in the garden. These include native plants as well as plants collected by the founder of the garden which has historical significance. Over 60% of the Seychelles endemic flowering plants from the granitic island are grown. A further 20% are in trial in the propagation house.
Visitor services at a botanical garden might include tours, educational displays, art exhibitions, book rooms, open-air theatrical and musical performances, and other entertainment. Botanical gardens also contribute to research programmes in plant taxonomy or some other aspect of botanical science. Special courses are organised for school children. There are educational signs in the garden. Tour guides are available to educate the visitors on all aspects of the garden.
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