Ethnobotanical Regions

In addition to our extensive collections of mango, avocado, banana, custard apple and bamboo, the park is arranged in ethnobotanical regions. We have chosen to highlight the tropical areas of the Americas, Africa, Australia and the Pacific, Asia and the Mediterranean climate region.

Ethnobotany is the scientific study of the relationships that exist between people and plants.

Ethnobotanists aim to document, describe and explain complex relationships between cultures and (uses of) plants, focusing primarily on how plants are used, managed and perceived across human societies. This includes use for food, clothing, currency, ritual, medicine, dye, construction, cosmetics and more.

From the canoe plants of the ancient Polynesians to European demand for spices that drove an increase in global trade, we will explore some fascinating aspects of the interactions between humans and plants.

• Use Google Earth to visit Fruit & Spice Park