HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE EXHIBITIONS OF LARGE TROPICAL PLANTS IN THE UK:
Discover our tropical rainforest plants all set within a beautiful glass pyramid hot-house in the heart of Swansea, United Kingdom.
We have so many species for you to discover!
Uncover the biodiversity of the tropical plants & rainforests of the world as you journey through our collection of rainforest plants on your adventure through Plantasia Tropical Zoo.
Weeping Fig
FICUS BENJAMINAICONIC!
Beautifully twisted fig trees are probably what you picture when you think of the rainforest. Also known as a Benjamin tree, weeping figs can reach a WHOPPING height of up to 30 metres. This weeping fig tree thrives in both full sunshine or in the dense shade of the rainforest.
- NATIVE DISTRIBUTION: Asia & Australia
- FAMILY: Moraceae
Aloe Vera
ALOE VERA (SAME IN LATIN & ENGLISH)MAGIC!
Aloe Vera is grown in the arid regions of the world, where it flourishes in hot and dry climates. Aloe produces a gel which resembles a clear jelly. This magic gel contains 75 different vitamins, enzymes and amino acids which are super healthy for our bodies. It can survive for more than 100 years – amazing!
- NATIVE DISTRIBUTION: Canary Islands, Madeira
- FAMILY: Asphodelaceae
Black Pepper
PIPER NIGRUMKING OF THE SPICES
Often called the ‘King of Spices’ you’ll find it on your dinner table next to salt. It’s a very common spice added to most cuisines all over the world.
Black pepper is made from whole fruit, but white pepper is made from the fruit with the black skin removed!
- NATIVE DISTRIBUTION: Malaya & Java
- FAMILY: Piperaceae
Bird of Paradise
STRELITZIA REGINAETROPICAL BEAUTY!
Large blue and orange blossoms look just like brightly coloured exotic birds. This strange and beautiful bird of paradise plant is actually related to the common banana.
- NATIVE DISTRIBUTION: South Africa
- FAMILY: Strelitziaceae
Avocado
PERSEA AMERICANASMASHING!
There is so much protein packed into just one avocado! This makes them a popular choice to smash or slice for breakfast and brunches.
Avocados can reach a height of 20 metres but need other avocado trees close by in order to pollinate and grow.
- NATIVE DISTRIBUTION: South America
- FAMILY: Lauraceae
Rubber Plant
FICUS ELASTICAOOZE!
You will often see the humble Rubber plant in people’s homes, but you might not know that this is where latex comes from! It oozes milky sap that can be turned into all kinds of useful products like medical gloves or birthday balloons.
- NATIVE DISTRIBUTION: South America
- FAMILY: Moraceae
Coffee
COFFEA ARABICAWAKE UP!
These high-quality beans are super popular, millions of cups of coffee are made from these aromatic beans every day.
Coffee beans are technically seeds, they’re the pits of the cherry-like berries found on the flowering shrubs, but we call them ‘beans’ because they look like beans!
- NATIVE DISTRIBUTION: Ethiopia, Angola
- FAMILY: Rubiaceae
Banana
MUSA CAVENDISHIIGIANT HERB!
The banana tree is not truly a tree, it actually grows on a herbaceous plant! This giant clumping tropical herb can live up to 6 years.
Bananas are the most economically important tropical plants and have many health benefits. They help our hearts, digestions and are pretty tasty! Oh, and watch out for those slippery skins!
- NATIVE DISTRIBUTION: South China
- FAMILY: Musaceae
Persian Lime
CITRUS X LATIFOLIAZINGY !
The Persian lime is a cross between key lime and lemon. These are the limes you see for sale in the supermarket. They can be used as a mixer for drinks, in dressings and as a garnish due to their seedless flesh and because they are very juicy but not intensely fragrant.
Did you know our Canopi Gin, available in the gift shop is flavoured with the leaves from Plantasia’s Home-grown lime tree!
- NATIVE DISTRIBUTION: Cultivated mainly in Brazil and Mexico
- FAMILY: Rutaceae
