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Caves Branch Botanical Gardens
Belize Botanical Gardens
The Caves Branch Botanical Gardens were created in 2008 by Ella Baron and the Caves Branch Jungle Lodge to bring awareness to the general public about the beauty and importance of Belize’s flora and fauna. Visitors to the garden have the unique opportunity to smell the lemongrass and all-spice leaves and see the coffee, cacao, papaya, and pineapple growing along the sides of the walkways through the gardens.
We specialize in native epiphytes, such as orchids and bromeliads (air plants), and have the largest collection of these plants in the country. Our dedication to preserving and documenting the flora of Belize is more than apparent when touring our gardens.
Focus on Conservation
Conservation of Belize’s plants and animals is very important to the Caves Branch Botanical Garden in addition to providing a visual and tropical oasis for our guests at the lodge.
Currently, Caves Branch Botanical Gardens collaborates with the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida to create an inventory of the epiphytes of Belize. Our team goes on extreme expeditions in the most remote areas of Belize identifying, collecting and recording species previously unknown to Belize. Knowledge of plant diversity in those areas is crucial for successful conservation efforts.
To follow our botanical adventures, like and follow the
Caves Branch Botanical Garden’s Facebook page.
Focus on Education
Education is a large focus of the Caves Branch Botanical Gardens. Our team has created garden clubs at a number of elementary schools throughout Belize, teaching the children about the importance and value of Belize’s plants. On-going workshops are conducted in order to teach the children how to properly care for plants. These workshops take place in our gardens and in their school gardens and the communities they reside in.
Epiphyte Research Project
We specialize in native epiphytes and have the largest collection of these plants in the country.
In 2014 we initiated a collaborative project with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Florida and the University of Belize with the goal of bringing awareness and protection to the native epiphytes of Belize. Epiphytes are plants growing on other plants, and the most commonly known epiphytes are Orchids, Bromeliads and Ferns.
As a result of our collaboration, the international databases from other botanical gardens were analyzed and areas that needed more exploration were determined. We went on a series of expeditions to fill in the gap in the existing botanical knowledge. As the result, we collected over 3,000 living and dry specimens and took thousands of photographs to document the diversity of epiphytes of Belize.
Currently, we are working on processing the data, dentification, writing reports to the Forestry Department, and creating materials that can be used by plant enthusiasts, students, and rangers. At this point, we want to offer you the opportunity to see some of our work in progress.
Please feel free to use those materials and share:
Tamandua Rescue and Rehabilitation
New science discovery
at the Black Hole Trail!
Keep your eyes open!
You never know what amazing plants you can find during the adventure trips at Caves Branch Jungle Lodge.
One of the plants that can be seen during your tours belongs to Gesneriaceae (commonly known as African Violet family). It grows on the cliffs and trees of the Black Hole drop. It was officially named Alsobia Baroniae in recognition of Ella Baron, Director of Caves Branch Botanical Garden, for her efforts in conservation of Belizean flora.
“Don’t miss the Botanical Gardens that are on the property. Even though you’re surround by the beautiful Belizian jungle, the gardens are breathtaking. “
– SCY321: A TripAdvisor User –