Day 114: Today was a fine day to finally visit the Durban Botanic Gardens. It is between our Airbnb and downtown and took around 15 minutes in an Uber.
Established in 1849, the Durban Botanic Gardens holds the distinction of being Africa's oldest surviving botanical garden. Initially intended as an experimental agricultural station, it played a crucial role in introducing economically significant plants to the region. Over time, it evolved into a cherished public space, preserving a diverse collection of indigenous and exotic flora, including rare cycads and orchids. Beyond its horticultural significance, the gardens serve as a living historical record, reflecting Durban's colonial past and its ongoing commitment to botanical conservation and public enjoyment.
The Durban Botanic Gardens is home to a significant collection of cycads, including the rare Wood's Cycad. These ancient plants are often referred to as "living fossils" due to their long evolutionary history. The gardens provide a valuable environment for the conservation and study of these unique plants.
The Wood's Cycads in the Durban Botanic Gardens are clones of the original plant, which is now extinct in the wild. The original plant was discovered in 1895, and some offshoots were taken to the Durban Botanic Gardens in 1903. The Durban Botanic Gardens cares for these clones, making it a significant location for the conservation of this species. As this type of tree requires male and female plants for natural offspring, these bachelors will be the final examples of their species.
