LOWLAND TROPICS

Welcome to the steamy and lush jungles of the LOWLAND TROPICS. High overhead, a light rain falls on the canopy of palms and the century-old giant philodendron. The stump of an enormous kapok tree lies on the ground while falling water cascades through the foliage around it. Large and colorful fruits hang heavily from branches, and sweet fragrances mingle in the air.

Marvel at chocolate, coffee, vanilla, cashew nuts and other favorites "in the wild." Here, the Conservatory features a number of economic plants that we all eat and use every day.

LOWLAND TROPICS is also home to the Conservatory's centenarians, the oldest and most valuable plants in the collection. These include the giant Imperial Philodendron that is 100 years old this year and the Conservatory's cycads, primitive gymnosperms that predate the dinosaurs.