Faial Botanical Garden

Category: Nature > Botanical Garden

District: Açores > Horta > Flamengos > São Lourenço

Location

The Faial Botanical Garden is located in the parish of Flamengos, in the municipality of Horta. It is situated in the area of Quinta de São Lourenço, a property with an agricultural history integrated into the Flamengos Valley. This location offers a serene environment, close to the urban area of Horta.

Origin and Purpose

Inaugurated in 1986, this Botanical Garden was created in a former agricultural area of Quinta de São Lourenço. It is part of the structure of the Faial Natural Park and its main objective is the conservation and study of the unique flora of the Azores, along with scientific dissemination and environmental education. Its creation sought to gather a representative collection of Macaronesian biodiversity.

A Walk Through the Flora of the Azores

Exploring the garden's paths, visitors discover the botanical richness of the archipelago. The space hosts diverse collections, including the rare native plants of the Azores, agricultural crops with local history, and areas dedicated to medicinal and aromatic species. It is also possible to observe examples of invasive plants.

The garden seeks to recreate distinct Azorean plant environments, from coastal areas to high-altitude habitats, passing through landscapes resembling Macaronesian heathlands or areas simulating volcanic reliefs with peaks and craters.

The Charm of Orchids

One of the most notable areas of the Botanical Garden is its orchidarium. Inaugurated after the 2019 expansion, this space invites visitors to explore a vast and fascinating collection of orchids, including species and hybrids of various origins.

The orchidarium is organized to provide ideal conditions for different types of orchids, with warmer greenhouse areas for tropical species and shaded or outdoor areas for temperate climate ones. Notable here is the presence of the Platanthera azorica, one of Europe's rarest orchids.

A Refuge for Biodiversity

Beyond its value as a visitor space, the Botanical Garden plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation. Through ex-situ conservation, it protects plant species outside their natural habitat. The Azores Seed Bank, integrated into the garden, is fundamental for collecting and storing seeds of rare and endangered species, ensuring their preservation for the future.

The work developed also includes species propagation and participation in natural habitat recovery efforts, such as in the high-altitude area in Pedro Miguel. This scientific effort contributes to the valorization and perpetuation of the Azorean floristic heritage.

Tranquil and Educational Environment

Visiting the Faial Botanical Garden offers an experience that combines the tranquility of a well-maintained green space with the opportunity to learn about the Azorean flora. It is a place designed for leisure and education, providing a relaxing environment for a family or individual stroll.

There is also a permanent exhibition that addresses the Natural History of Azorean Vegetation, explaining the origin of species and the importance of their preservation for the future of the archipelago. The space is maintained daily by teams dedicated to the care of the plants and the surrounding area.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt