The State Botanical Garden of Georgia: Tropical Conservatory

Products we use every day are derived from plants of the worlds’ tropical rainforests. The Visitor Center/Conservatory features a permanent collection showcasing these diverse crops. Examples include mahogany and bamboo used for furnishings; palms that provide timber, food, fiber, soap, oil, and fuel; and tropical spices used to flavor and preserve our food. Cinnamon, allspice, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, and pepper have been valued for thousands of years and continue to be used worldwide. No day is complete without a rainforest beverage of coffee, cocoa, cola or tea. Fruiting plants housed in the Visitor Center include star fruit, pineapple, avocado, mango, papaya, breadfruit, macadamia, and banana. Many of these plants are rich in nutrients, anti-oxidants, and other `` used for centuries by indigenous people to protect their health and well-being.

Over 100 prescription drugs sold worldwide today are derived from species native to tropical rainforests. These plant-based compounds are used to treat malaria, heart disease, bronchitis, hypertension, diabetes, dysentery, and much more. More than two-thirds of the medicines found to contain cancer-fighting agents come from tropical plants. But, most importantly, are the new drugs awaiting discovery.

Rainforests act as the earths’ thermostat, moderating both temperatures and weather patterns. They are critical to the maintenance of the limited fresh water supply on our planet. Worldwide destruction of tropical rainforests continues to increase. We must all promote responsible, sustainable use of the wealth of valuable plants found in tropical rainforests.

Below is a virtual tour of our Conservatory. This is a 360° Quicktime Tour, click and hold to turn and click on the Red Diamonds to move to the next tour section.
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