We very often park in the car park near to Auditorio de Tenerife and walk past the Palmetum. Today we make the effort to check it out, and what a find it is!
A former rubbish tip, built between 1971 and 1983, when ecological awareness wasn’t what it is today, presented quite a few problems to the city. It is ten more years before a clear plan emerged, and another three just to fix to waste gas hazards, before landscaping can commence.
Finally in 2014 this wonderful botanical gardens is opened by the now King and Queen of Spain.
Housing collections from all around the world, including some very special and exotic plants, the emphasis is mainly on palm plants, although others can be found too.
We wander from Hawaii through New Caledonia (the nearest thing to antipdes we have!) and many more world zones, each contributing to the knowledge and enjoyment of the visitor. We fondly remember the Welwitchia from Namibia which lives for thousands of years, never growing more than two leaves, fabulous Carribbean coconut palms, the tree Panama hats are made from.
An Indian palm has recently started to flower, which happens only between 30 and 80 years old, after which it will die. Even more incredible, a palm so rare it had only 92 plants in existence and was only discovered in 2007 flourishes here, after Kew nominated a handful of places for it to be preserved – no-one knows what it’s lifecycle in cultivation will be, but it’s safe now with regular observations.
Closer to home we have examples of Dragon trees and Aloe Vera which are very common in Tenerife.
We return for lunch at Glass House, then I am working and blogging whilst Hubby packs.
Our evening starts with a FaceTime to Barbados. Next we decide to take a few turns around Promenade – deck 7 – watching as Mien Shiff 1 prepares to leave.
Our final dinner is Sindhu again, we have been very impressed with this lovely Indian restaurant and it’s staff, with a special mention for cardamom bread and butter pudding.
