The Dominica Botanical Gardens is located in the suburbs of the capital, Roseau, covering an area of 16 hectares. Renowned in the western hemisphere for its precious and rare flowers, plants, and trees, it is the best botanical garden in Dominica. The construction of the botanical gardens began during the time when Dominica was still a British colony. Planting of various flora started in the garden in 1889, and by 1930, it had become the finest botanical garden in the western hemisphere.
However, in 1979, a hurricane destroyed many ancient trees in the garden. A school bus crushed by a large tree still lies there in the same position as it was in 1979, serving as evidence of the devastating hurricane. After the hurricane, the plants in the garden were replanted. Currently, the Dominica Botanical Gardens boast a wide variety of plant species, many of which are unseen elsewhere, including Dominica’s national flower and tree, cannonball tree, Indian banyan tree, traveler’s palm, iron tree, castor oil plant, and some other tropical plants.
The Dominica Botanical Gardens is one of the few activity venues in Dominica, serving as a cricket field and hosting cultural and music events in the garden.
Dominica Botanical Gardens
Reasons to visit: The best botanical garden in Dominica
Continent: North America
Country: Dominica
Region/State: Saint George Parish
City: Roseau