Lankester Botanical Garden | Cartago

The Lankester Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico Lankester) is a renowned botanical garden located near Cartago, Costa Rica. It is known for its impressive collection of orchids, as well as a diverse range of tropical and subtropical plants. The garden is part of the University of Costa Rica's (UCR) research and conservation efforts, and it is dedicated to preserving the rich botanical diversity of Costa Rica. Visitors to Lankester Botanical Garden can experience lush landscapes, vibrant plant life, and learn about the region's rich ecological heritage.

Overview:

• Name: Lankester Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico Lankester)
• Location: El General Valley, near Cartago, Costa Rica
• Established: 1973
• Area: Approximately 11.5 hectares (28.4 acres)
• Managed by: University of Costa Rica (UCR)
• Main Focus: Orchids and tropical plants

History:

The Lankester Botanical Garden was founded in 1973 by British-born botanist Leslie Lankester, who donated the land and plants to the University of Costa Rica. Lankester, a passionate naturalist, had moved to Costa Rica in the 1940s and had developed a profound appreciation for the country’s diverse plant life. His donation helped establish the garden as a center for botanical research, education, and conservation.

Since its creation, the garden has become an important site for the study of Costa Rica’s native and exotic plant species, particularly its impressive collection of orchids. It is also a key location for plant conservation efforts, focusing on protecting endangered species and promoting sustainable practices.

Key Features:

1. Orchid Collection:

• The Lankester Botanical Garden is internationally recognized for its extensive orchid collection, one of the largest in Central America. The garden boasts over 1,000 species of orchids, including both native and exotic varieties.
• Orchids are among the most diverse and beautiful plants in the world, and the garden offers visitors an opportunity to see these delicate flowers in various stages of bloom. The collection includes species that are endemic to Costa Rica, as well as species from other tropical regions.
• The orchid display areas are specially designed to showcase these flowers in their natural habitats, with plants grown on trees, rocks, and in the ground as they would be found in the wild.

2. Diverse Plant Species:

• In addition to orchids, the garden features a wide variety of other tropical and subtropical plants, including ferns, cacti, palms, bromeliads, and genera of flowering plants.
• There are several themed sections within the garden, such as:
  • The Tropical Rainforest Area: Home to a diverse range of plants that thrive in the humid, shaded conditions of tropical rainforests.
  • The Dry Forest Area: Exhibits plants adapted to dry, arid conditions, demonstrating the diverse range of habitats in Costa Rica.
  • The Water Garden: A tranquil space featuring aquatic plants, including water lilies and other water-loving species.
  • The Succulent Garden: Featuring hardy plants that thrive in arid, sunny conditions, such as cacti and agaves.

3. Research and Conservation:

• The Lankester Botanical Garden is not just a tourist attraction but also an active center for botanical research and conservation. It serves as a conservation area for endangered plant species, particularly orchids, which are threatened by habitat loss and illegal collecting.
• The garden conducts important research on plant biology, propagation techniques, and sustainable horticultural practices, and collaborates with other institutions and conservation programs.
• The plant conservation efforts of the garden are integral to protecting Costa Rica’s rich plant biodiversity, and visitors can learn about these initiatives through informative exhibits.

4. Educational Programs and Activities:

• The Lankester Botanical Garden offers a variety of educational programs for visitors of all ages. These programs include guided tours, workshops, and lectures on topics such as plant identification, gardening, conservation, and sustainable practices.
• The garden is also a popular destination for school groups, nature enthusiasts, and botanical researchers who seek to learn more about Costa Rica’s plant life and the garden’s conservation efforts.

5. Wildlife:

• The garden is a biodiversity hotspot and also hosts a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and small mammals. The lush plant life and the natural environment provide excellent habitat for these creatures, adding to the garden’s appeal for nature lovers and photographers.
• Birds such as the resplendent quetzal, hummingbirds, and trogons are frequently spotted within the garden, while various butterfly species flutter among the plants. The garden’s proximity to the tropical rainforest also contributes to its ecological richness.

Visitor Information:

1. Hours:

• The Lankester Botanical Garden is typically open every day from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is recommended to visit during the daytime to fully appreciate the beauty of the plants and to take part in the guided tours and other programs.

2. Admission:

• There is an entrance fee to visit the garden, with discounts for students, residents, and children. The fees help fund the garden's research and conservation projects. Special events or exhibitions may have additional charges.

3. Guided Tours:

• Guided tours are available for visitors who want to learn more about the plants, their ecological importance, and the garden's conservation efforts. These tours are typically led by knowledgeable staff who provide detailed information about the various species and the history of the garden.

4. Accessibility:

• The Lankester Botanical Garden is easily accessible from Cartago (about 10 kilometers away) and San José (around 1.5 hours by car). There are paved paths and walkways throughout the garden, making it accessible to visitors with varying levels of mobility.
• The garden’s diverse terrain includes both easy, flat paths and some steeper sections, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for mild physical activity.

Why Visit?

The Lankester Botanical Garden offers visitors an opportunity to explore one of the most important botanical sites in Costa Rica. Its impressive orchid collection, diverse plant species, and commitment to conservation make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, plant lovers, and anyone interested in learning about Costa Rica’s rich natural heritage. Whether you're strolling through the lush gardens, participating in educational programs, or simply admiring the beauty of the plants, a visit to Lankester is an enriching and memorable experience.