Jardín de Aclimatación de la Orotava

In the heart of Puerto de la Cruz, nestled within the lush landscapes of Tenerife, lies the enchanting Jardín de Aclimatación de la Orotava, a botanical paradise that has captured the imaginations of visitors for centuries. This verdant haven, often referred to simply as the Botánico, is a testament to the island's rich botanical heritage and a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone looking to escape into a world of natural beauty.

The Origins and Early History

The story of the Jardín de Aclimatación de la Orotava begins in the late 18th century, under the enlightened reign of King Charles III of Spain. On August 17, 1788, the king decreed the creation of this botanical garden with a specific purpose: to acclimatize exotic plants collected from the Spanish colonies in the New World to the climate of the royal gardens in Madrid and Aranjuez. The garden, therefore, holds the distinction of being the second-oldest botanical garden in Spain, following the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid.

The initial vision for the garden was brought to life by Alonso de Nava y Grimón, the VI Marqués Villanueva del Prado. He meticulously selected the ideal location and oversaw the early development of the garden. The land itself was a generous gift from Don Francisco Bautista de Lugo y Saavedra, Señor de Fuerteventura. Although King Charles III passed away shortly after the garden's inception, his successor, King Charles IV, continued to support the project. By 1790, the garden's layout, designed by architect Diego Nicholas Eduardo, began to take shape with its strict geometric patterns, and by 1791, the construction was complete. The first 35 plantings and sowings were carried out in 1792.

A Garden of Exploration

The Jardín de Aclimatación de la Orotava quickly became a focal point for botanical exploration. In 1796, French naturalists Anselme Riedlé and Andre Pierre Ledrú, who were part of Nicolas Baudin's expedition, explored the garden. Ledrú created the first plant inventory and suggested organizing the plants according to the Linnaean system of classification, introduced in 1753. This scientific approach, however, has since evolved, and the garden today is arranged more for aesthetic pleasure than scientific accuracy.

One of the most famous visitors to the garden was the renowned naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, who visited on June 20, 1799, during his expedition to Tenerife. Humboldt's visit, along with those of other notable scientists like Aimé Bonpland, Pierre Marie Auguste Broussonet, and Sabin Berthelot, cemented the garden's reputation as a center of botanical study and discovery.

The Wildpret Era

The garden experienced a renaissance under the stewardship of Hermann Wildpret, a Swiss botanist who served as the head gardener from 1860 to 1893. Wildpret's tenure saw a dramatic expansion in the garden's plant diversity. When he began, the garden housed 220 species, but by 1879, this number had grown to 2,486. Wildpret's contributions to the study of Tenerife's endemic flora and his efforts in plant breeding and trade brought international acclaim to the Botánico. His work ensured that the garden became a prominent feature in contemporary travel descriptions, second only to the iconic Pico del Teide.

After Wildpret's era, the garden once again faced neglect and decline due to a lack of consistent care and expertise. However, the legacy of his work continued to inspire future generations of botanists and garden enthusiasts.

Modern Revival and Future Prospects

In 1983, the garden became part of the Department of Agricultural Research and Technology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Government of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands. This marked the beginning of a new era of restoration and enhancement. Efforts to renovate and beautify the garden gained momentum, and in 1988, an ambitious expansion project was initiated, increasing the garden's area to 55,000 square meters. This expansion included new attractions and facilities to elevate the Botánico to the status of an internationally significant botanical garden, with a particular focus on educational purposes.

Despite these advancements, the garden has faced ongoing challenges, primarily due to frequent changes in management and the absence of a permanent leadership. Nevertheless, the Jardín de Aclimatación de la Orotava remains a beloved destination, attracting nearly 400,000 visitors annually.

A Botanical Wonderland

Today, the Botánico is celebrated for its unique ability to host a diverse array of plants from Europe, Africa, and the Americas, thanks to Tenerife's favorable climatic and geographical conditions. The garden boasts over 5,000 plant species, 120 tree species, and a collection of over 50,000 plants from five continents. Visitors can marvel at the impressive variety of palms, bromeliads, araceae, and moraceae, as well as the distinctive flora of Macaronesia. Some ancient plants, such as Araucarias and Canary Island pines, may even date back to the garden's early days.

Among the garden's many attractions are the strangler fig, the sausage tree, and the pokeweed, which are often highlighted in travel guides. The Botánico also participates in international plant material exchange programs, research, and conservation initiatives. Its herbarium, founded by Erich Sventenius, contains nearly 40,000 specimens.

For those seeking a deeper connection to nature and a glimpse into the botanical wonders of the world, the Jardín de Aclimatación de la Orotava offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you're wandering through its shaded pathways, admiring the vibrant flora, or simply soaking in the tranquility, this botanical gem is a testament to the enduring beauty and diversity of our natural world.