The plants of the Himalayan Mountain biome represent a cross-section of specimens found in the temperate climate of the mountain range with an elevation between 6,000 and 9,000 feet. Most have adapted to the harsh conditions the Himalayan mountains present by developing the ability to withstand drying winds, rocky soils and strong solar radiation. A tour through the biome will provide visitors with a close-up look at numerous plant types including conifers, deciduous trees and shrubs, flowering plants, vines, broadleaf evergreens, groundcovers, and shade-loving understory plants, just to name a few. As seasons change, visitors can experience the different faces of the biome from the fragrant blooms of spring to the wonderful colors of deciduous trees in fall.
Tropical rainforests span the globe along the equator and are located on the continents of Asia, Africa and South America. The plants in the conservatory’s Tropical Rainforest biome represent the various global flora. Visitors will find epiphytes that climb or cling to large trees like Mahogany that make up the upper canopy of the forest. Blooming plants can be found year round, offering visitors a place to escape during the long winter months. The conservatory’s rainforest collection is a great resource for learning more about the plants that contribute to the tremendous biodiversity of this extremely valuable ecosystem.
Deserts are found on every continent and the conservatory’s desert collection includes a wide array of plants that have adapted to the sparse annual rainfall of these arid landscapes. The Desert biome offers an up-close look at a large number of cacti, succulents, and landscape plants. Visit during the spring and summer to see some very unique and out of this world blooms. Desert plants have made some of the most interesting adaptations in one of the harshest environments on the planet and the specimens in the collection showcase just how well plants adapt to their environment.
