most plant species cultivated in a tropical greenhouse

Guinness World Records has officially awarded Pairi Daiza a third world record: for the largest number of plant species cultivated in an indoor tropical garden (Most plant species cultivated in a tropical greenhouse).

The title recognises the 1,675 species brought together in Edenya, the four-hectare indoor garden which opened this year, following a comprehensive botanical inventory and a verification process in accordance with the organisation’s international criteria.

This record adds to the two previous distinctions already achieved by Edenya: ‘The world’s largest indoor tropical garden’ and ‘The world’s largest indoor zoological ecosystem’.

A commitment to botanical diversity
Anouk de Timary, Guinness World Records Adjudicator, , supervised the official verification: “First of all, I would like to warmly congratulate the entire team at Pairi Daiza on this new title. It has been a pleasure to review the evidence submitted for this record, and the level of organisation, thoroughness and attention to detail demonstrated throughout the documentation process was truly impressive. Achieving the title of Most plant species cultivated in a tropical greenhouse is a remarkable accomplishment, reflecting an exceptional commitment to botanical diversity, conservation and horticultural excellence”.

Seven years of research, and not a single plant was taken from the wild
The creation of the collection began long before the first foundations were laid. Some plants were reserved as early as 2019 from specialist growers. For almost seven years, the teams from the Jardin des Mondes selected each species according to its botanical value, shape, colour, fragrance and rarity, as well as its ability to coexist with animals and naturally find its place within a complex ecosystem.

Not a single plant in Edenya was taken from the wild. All specimens come from specialist nurseries, including those in Thailand, Malaysia, southern Spain, southern France, Sicily, Paraguay, Colombia, Ecuador and the Canary Islands.

Four hundred orchids
Some plants in Edenya impress with their size, others with their history.

More than 400 orchid species, in every size and colour, are gradually taking their place throughout the garden. Some will flower several times a year, while others will require many more years before producing their first blooms. This is the case for Grammatophyllum speciosum, the world’s largest orchid, which currently measures only around forty centimetres: nature will decide when it reveals its full splendour.

Visitors to Edenya will also discover the sea coconut (Lodoicea maldivica), which produces the largest and heaviest seed in the plant kingdom and grows in the wild only in the Seychelles. One Ficus religiosa is a direct descendant of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

Contrary to what one might expect, the most represented species at Edenya are not tropical trees, but aquatic plants. The ponds host an exceptional diversity of giant Amazon water lilies (Victoria amazonica) and other tropical water lilies (Nymphaea), carnivorous aquatic plants (Utricularia) and Madagascan banana plants (Typhonodorum).

The Guinness World Records title recognises the 1,675 botanical species cultivated at Edenya. However, this diversity represents only part of the garden’s richness. These species are complemented by hundreds of horticultural varieties selected for the beauty of their flowers, foliage and colours. Edenya notably features around one hundred varieties of hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) and nearly 200 varieties of bromeliads.

A special fruit garden focuses on tropical and subtropical fruit trees. Pineapple, papaya, avocado and banana trees stand alongside mango, guava, lychee, star fruit, soursop, jackfruit and breadfruit trees. Here, visitors can discover the botanical origins of familiar products such as cocoa, coffee and vanilla, reminding us that many of our everyday flavours originate from tropical ecosystems with an exceptional wealth of scents, tastes and other qualities.

Species no longer preserved by nature
Several plants cultivated at Edenya are among the most threatened species on Earth.

Two specimens of Brighamia insignis, an endemic Hawaiian species, can be seen there. The IUCN classifies it as Extinct in the Wild (EW): it survives only in botanical collections maintained by humans.

Edenya is also home to a Cycas diannanensis, a Chinese cycad classified as Endangered (EN), with only between 2,000 and 2,500 adult individuals believed to remain in the wild, as well as two Aloe peglerae, a South African species whose wild populations continue to decline.

“A record doesn’t make a plant grow”
One curator and six gardeners look after the 1,675 plant species every day, supported by a specialist horticultural company from the Netherlands.

Each plant is observed, monitored and, if necessary, moved to provide it with better conditions.

Steffen Patzwahl, curator of Pairi Daiza: “This Guinness World Record recognises an immense amount of work, but it is certainly not the end of the story. A plant does not always react immediately when an environmental factor is unsuitable. A lack of nutrients, a less-than-ideal location or the proximity of an animal: the first signs may only become apparent weeks or months later. We must constantly monitor the plants and adjust the lighting, watering or nutrients. Automated irrigation is a valuable tool, but it will never replace the gardener’s keen eye. We are closely monitoring how these species, which largely originate from equatorial regions where the days last twelve hours all year round, will respond to our European winters. Our aim is simple: to ensure that every plant thrives here as if it were at home. When they develop to their full potential, the entire ecosystem comes to life.”

For more information:
Pairi Daiza
pairidaiza.eu/nl/