About Kew Gardens Palm House
History Of Kew Gardens Palm House
- The Palm House was designed by Richard Turner and was completed in 1848. It was one of the first large-scale conservatories in the world.
- The structure is made of wrought iron and glass and stands at 19 meters high. It has a curved design that allows maximum light penetration.
- The Palm House was originally built to house exotic palms and plants from around the world, many of which were being discovered by explorers at the time.
- In the late 1800s, the Palm House was renovated, and new plantings were added, including the first orchids to be grown at Kew.
- During World War II, the Palm House suffered damage from a bomb blast, but it was repaired and restored to its former glory after the war ended.
- In the 1980s, the Palm House underwent another major renovation, and a new heating and ventilation system was installed to better regulate the climate inside the conservatory.
- Today, the Palm House is home to a vast array of tropical plants from around the world, including towering palm trees, giant bamboo, and colorful orchids.
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Famous Plants At Kew Gardens Palm House
The Madagascar periwinkle is a tropical plant native to Madagascar, which is known for its beautiful pink and white flowers. It is one of the most important medicinal plants, as it contains several alkaloids that are used in the treatment of leukemia and other cancers. At Kew Gardens Palm House, visitors can see several varieties of Madagascar periwinkle, including the pure white variety known as 'Alba'. The plant is part of the wider collection of tropical and subtropical plants at the Palm House, which showcases the incredible diversity of plant life from around the world.
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Also known as the ivory-nut palm, this plant is native to the Amazon rainforest and is named after the belief that its fruit was once used by indigenous people to commit suicide. The fruit of the Suicide Palm is extremely hard and can be carved like ivory. It was once a valuable source of ivory-like nuts, which were used to make decorative items. Today, the plant is rare and protected due to the over-harvesting of its nuts.
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The Palm House at Kew Gardens is home to a collection of ancient cycads, which are some of the oldest living plants on Earth. These plants are known for their distinctive shape and are believed to have been around for more than 300 million years. The collection at Kew includes specimens from around the world, including Africa, Asia, and South America. The ancient cycads at Kew Gardens are an important part of the plant collection, providing insight into the history and evolution of plant life on Earth.
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FAQ's
How old is the Palm House in Kew Gardens?
The Palm House in Kew Gardens was built in 1844, making it over 175 years old. It was designed by architect Decimus Burton and is considered a masterpiece of Victorian engineering.
is it recommended to book Kew Gardens tickets in advance?
Yes, it is highly recommended to book Kew Gardens tickets in advance. By doing so, you can secure your entry, avoid long queues, and ensure a smooth experience. Booking in advance also offers flexibility in choosing your preferred date and time of visit. During peak periods, tickets may sell out quickly, so booking ahead guarantees your entry.
What is the purpose of Kew Gardens Palm House?
The purpose of Kew Gardens Palm House is to provide a controlled environment for the cultivation and study of tropical and subtropical plants from around the world. It allows scientists and researchers to study the plants, their growth patterns, and their evolution, while also providing visitors with a glimpse of exotic and endangered species.
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How big is Kew Gardens Palm House?
Kew Gardens Palm House is 19 meters high and covers an area of 4,880 square meters. It is one of the largest surviving Victorian glasshouses in the world, and it houses over 5,000 different species of plants.
What is the oldest plant in Kew Gardens Palm House?
The oldest plant in Kew Gardens Palm House is Encephalartos altensteinii, a type of cycad, which is believed to be over 200 years old. This plant has been in Kew Gardens since 1775, and it is one of the few surviving specimens of its kind.
What is the most famous plant in Kew Gardens Palm House?
The most famous plant in Kew Gardens Palm House is the Amorphophallus titanum, also known as the corpse flower. This plant produces one of the largest flowers in the world and is known for its pungent odor, which is often compared to that of rotting flesh. It is a rare and endangered species, and Kew Gardens has successfully cultivated several of them in the Palm House.
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