Limbe Botanic Garden is the second-best and largest botanic garden in Africa. It was established in 1982 by a group of Germans under the leadership of Paul Rudolph Preus. This botanic garden ranks alongside Mount Cameroon and the enormous national park system of the nation as one of the top tourist destinations in the nation thanks to its themed gardens, imposing trees, and great environment.
A brief history of Limbe botanic garden?
Under the leadership of Paul Rudolph Preus, a group of Germans established the Limbe Botanical Garden in 1892. In the beginning, this garden served as a trial ground for acclimatization and a hub for the introduction of exotic species of commercial interest, such as coffee, coconut, rubber, oil palm, banana, teak, or sugar cane, for their spread and cultivation inside the “Kamerun” (Cameroon) and in other German colonies. This Botanic Garden is now a significant tropical botanical garden on the planet.
This botanic garden ranks alongside Mount Cameroon and the enormous national park system of the nation as one of the top tourist destinations in the nation thanks to its themed gardens, imposing trees, and great environment.
Location of Limbe Botanic Garden
This Botanical Garden is situated in the coastal city of Cameroon’s South-West region.
What is the role of Limbe Botanic Garden in preserving these species?
Limbe Botanic Garden plays a significant role in preserving rare and endangered plant species in several ways.
Firstly, the garden has extensive collections of diverse plant species, including rare and endangered ones, which are carefully cultivated and conserved to ensure their survival. The garden also conducts research on these plants to better understand their biology and ecology, which further helps in their conservation.
Secondly, the garden serves as a center for education and awareness, promoting the importance of plant conservation to the public, school groups, and researchers. Through its programs, the garden raises awareness about the value of plant diversity and the need to protect it.
Thirdly, the garden engages in seed bank and propagation programs, which allow for the storage of plant genetic material and the production of new plant specimens from these seeds. This is essential for the preservation of rare and endangered plants, as it provides an additional means of conserving these species and helps to maintain their genetic diversity.
Overall, Limbe Botanic Garden serves as a critical resource for the conservation, education, and research of rare and endangered plant species, contributing to the preservation of the biodiversity of the region.
What are some of the rare and endangered plant species found in Limbe Botanic Garden?
Limbe Botanic Garden is home to a variety of rare and endangered plant species, some of which include:
- The Raffia Palm (Raffia spp.): This palm species is native to Central and South America and is used for its fibers, leaves, and fruit.
- The African Orchid (Angraecum longicalcar): This orchid species is known for its long spur and fragrant flowers and is found in Madagascar and other parts of Africa.
- The African Teak (Milicia excelsa): This tree species is found in West and Central Africa and is valued for its wood, which is used for construction and furniture making.
- The Prunus africana (Prunus africana): This tree species is native to Africa and is used for its medicinal properties.
- The African Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis): This palm species is found in West and Central Africa and is used for its oil, which is used in cooking and as a biodiesel fuel.
These and other rare and endangered plant species in the Limbe Botanic Garden highlight the importance of conservation efforts to protect the biodiversity of the region.
Two secret places in Limbe Botanic Garden
Jungle Village
The Jungle Village, a popular destination in the Botanic Gardens, is an open-air amphitheater with seating for 4,000 people and is encircled by a thick tertiary forest with a wide diversity of exotic and native species. Additionally, it is home to the unusual strangling fig tree.
The Commonwealth War Graves
The Botanic Garden, next to the River Limbe, is home to the Commonwealth War Graves of 1914. These graves serve as a tribute to the British and Commonwealth servicemen who died while serving in West Africa under British rule.
Other attractions around Limbe Botanic Garden
Other attractions in the vicinity include the Bimbia slave port, Down Beach, and Seme beach hotel. Also, a tranquil retreat from the almost always busy city can be found at this botanical garden.