Plants in the Gardens

The Botanical Gardens of Nevis are home to a large variety of tropical plants and flowers from around the world. Set in the Montpelier Estate with views of Mount Nevis in the distance, this is one of the finest collections of tropical plants in the Caribbean. Designed to complement the natural features of the land, the landscaped gardens feature delightful water lily ponds and dolphin fountains, terraces blooming with orchids, bromeliads and ferns, fruit trees, roses, cacti, luxuriant vines and over 100 species of palm tree.

There are wonderful flowering shrubs and trees including the national flower of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Poinciana or Flamboyant Tree (Delonix regia), Golden Shower Tree (Cassia fistula), Shaving Brush Tree (Bombax ellipticum), Calabash Tree (Crescentia cujete), The Pitch Apple or Autograph Tree (Clusia rosea) and the amazing South African Sausage Tree (Kigelia pinnata).

The large variegated Screw Pine (Pandanus sanderi) near the main entrance has a spiralling stem with many stilt roots, designed to support it in its natural habitat on sandy shores. The Walking Stick Tree (Millettia grandis) is a member of the pea family and originates in South Africa where its hard dark wood is used to manufacture walking sticks.

The Tropical Vine Terrace is surrounded by arbors where the sky-blue blossoms of the Clock Vine (Thunbergia grandiflora) mingle with pink cascades of the Cross Vine (Bignonia capreolata), purple-flowered Glow Vine (Saritaea magnifica) and the strange purplish-brown fabric-like flowers of the Brazilian Calico Vine (Aristolochia elegans). Perfuming the night air are the scented blossoms of the Wax Flower or Stephanotis (Stephanotis sp.) and the scented Rangoon Creeper (Quisqualis indica).

The Rainforest Conservatory houses tropical rainforest plants and was modelled on the Palm House at Kew Gardens in England. Delicate plants flower among the waterfalls and Mayan-type sculptures. Tropical plants include palms, bananas, crotons, anthuriums, heliconias and gingers.

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  • Top Things to do in Nevis, UK Telegraph
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