Botanical Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Madeira > Funchal > Funchal > Santa Maria Maior

Location

The Madeira Botanical Garden is located in the parish of Santa Maria Maior, in Funchal. It is situated at a high elevation on the city's slopes, in the former area of Quinta do Bom Sucesso, with a dominant position over the Ribeira João Gomes valley. This location allows the space to integrate harmoniously into the surrounding urban and natural landscape, a short distance from the center of Funchal.

A Verdant Heritage

Inaugurated in 1960, the Madeira Botanical Garden fulfilled the aspiration of providing the island with a space dedicated to the study and cultivation of plants. It occupies the grounds of the historic Quinta do Bom Sucesso, a property with roots dating back to 1881, once linked to the Reid family. Over the decades, dedicated work in its organization and structuring has consolidated this green space as one of the most recognized sites in the region.

A World of Plants

With a total area of approximately eight hectares, of which about five are carefully landscaped, the Madeira Botanical Garden is an invitation to a journey through the plant kingdom. Here, you will find an extensive collection of botanical species, including over two thousand exotic plants from all continents, many of which are endangered in their native habitats. The garden also hosts a remarkable diversity of endemic species from Madeira. The plants are organized into distinct collections, such as the arboretum, succulent plants, orchid areas, and masterfully designed gardens, as well as exhibitions of aromatic and medicinal flora, palms, and cycads. Each species is identified, allowing for a deeper understanding of its origin and characteristics.

Conservation and Research

Beyond its beauty, the Madeira Botanical Garden plays a fundamental role in the conservation of global biodiversity. This space is a center for research and preservation, dedicated to the protection of plant species facing the threat of extinction. Scientific work is carried out within its grounds, contributing to the study of flora, particularly that of Macaronesia and the Madeira archipelago. The presence of a herbarium and a seed bank underscores the garden's commitment to the maintenance and accessibility of plant genetic resources, ensuring their viability for future generations.

Panoramas and Serenity

The privileged location of the Botanical Garden offers breathtaking perspectives of the surrounding landscape. As you stroll along its paths, visitors encounter various viewpoints that provide sweeping panoramic views of the Funchal bay and the city, extending to the sea. The garden's own configuration, with its lawns and floral arrangements, perfectly frames the horizon, creating a tranquil and inviting atmosphere for contemplation of nature and the distant urban landscape.

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