Tropical Display – Glasshouse
The Tropical Collection showcases plants from tropical regions around the globe, and displays some of the most important and spectacular tropical rainforest plants known to man.
There are a huge range of plants to explore in the tropical collection: from botanical giants such as the King fern (Angiopteris evecta) and Titan Arum (Amorphophallus titanum), to the colourful and diverse orchid and bromeliad families.
Key Plants
Bulbophyllum fletcherianum Tongue Orchid
Striking orchid from Papua New Guinea with strap-like leaves to 1m.
Stanhopea wardii Upside Down Orchid
A striking and beautifully perfumed orchid that flowers down through it’s growing media.
Ceratozamia mexicana Mexican Horn Cone
A large cycad from Mexico, and is threatened in its’ native habitat.
Curator Notes
- As all the plants are grown in pots the re-potting is continuous.
- The minimum temperature is 16C and the humidity is usually 70% or higher.
History
- 1900s - The West half was built in the early 1900s, and the tiles are part of the original floor.
- 1960s - The East half was built on in the 1960s, and the heating was converted from coal to oil at the same time.
- 1990s - In the early 1990s the heating was then converted to natural gas on which it still runs.
BEST VIEWED
The best times to view the Tropical Collection are in winter, to escape the cold and see the orchids flowering, and again in summer when the growth is at its most prolific.
LOCATION
Tropical Display - Glasshouse (GIF - 367 kB) North-west of E Gate, west of Nymphaea Lily Lake
GROW
Some of the plants found in the Tropical Collection can be grown at home, primarily as indoor plants. Tassel ferns (Huperzia squarrosa), Coffee (Coffea arabica), and Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sanserveria species) are a few great examples.
PLANT CENSUS
Find out what plants grow at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
Last updated 09 Jan 2013
