Among its 300 acres of expertly tended grounds, Kew boasts several key attractions. The Arboretum is a living library of more than 14,000 trees, representing more than 2,000 species.
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Kew Gardens is home to more than 14,000 spectacular trees, of all shapes, sizes, species and ages.
Today, we hold over 68,000 accessions (one or more living plant specimens that come from the same initial source) of over 27,000 taxa. Some of these plants are extinct in the wild. Others represent threatened floras from different habitats around the world.
In 1895, John Medley Wood discovered a cluster of peculiar Encephalartos Woodii on the fringe of the oNgoye Forest in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A basal offset of the male dioecious tree was sent to Kew Gardens in London, England.
Tree climbingSuitable for ages 6 years +. All children must be accompanied by an adult for this activity. Tree climbing for accompanying adult is optional.
Kew Palace is the oldest building within the Gardens, serving as the summer home of King George III in the 18th century. The striking façade of the palace reflects its origins. Constructed in 1631 for a wealthy Flemish merchant, Samuel Fortrey, it was originally known as the Dutch House.
Etymology. The name Kew, recorded in 1327 as Cayho, is a combination of two words: the Old French kai (landing place; quay derives from this) and Old English hoh (spur of land). The land spur is formed by the bend in the Thames.
RBG Kew currently employs nearly over 1,000 staff across our teams, including RBG Kew Enterprises, our commercial subsidiary. Our experts comprise of over 400 scientists and over 150 horticulturists.
The Nymphaea thermarum was discovered in 1987 by German botanist Eberhard Fischer at a thermal freshwater spring in Mashyuza, Rwanda -- the only known location in the wild.
Any children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Only registered disability assistance dogs are allowed in the gardens - please leave your pets at home.