Preamble

The exotic displays show plants and trees from several different countries. It is most interesting to compare our own native species with those of other countries whose climates are similar to our own. Where continents were once joined - especially in the supercontinent Gondwana - there may be similarities of species. However when the land connections are truly ancient and evolution has taken different directions, the shape and form and species are certainly exotic to us.

Of course, with trading and modern communication many of these plants have lost their strangeness and have become familiar members of our own backyards - citrus family, willows, coffee, and garden herbs to name a few. Nevertheless it is interesting to discover the origins of these old favourites by taking a walk through the world of plants in our Garden.

However there are still plenty of different plants to discover and learn about in these exotic areas.