'Ene'io Botanical Garden, Botanical garden in Vava'u, Tonga
'Ene'io Botanical Garden is a 22-acre botanical garden in Vava'u with more than 500 plant species representing over 100 plant families. The garden displays both local native plants and exotic varieties arranged across different landscape settings.
The garden was established in 1972 by Haniteli Fa'anunu, who was Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries at the time. It remained private until 2006 when it opened its doors to the public.
During guided visits, Haniteli Fa'anunu demonstrates how plants are used: making cloth from the inner bark of paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera), starting fire with wooden sticks, preparing a drink from kava roots (Piper methysticum), making coconut cream from coconuts, and crafting items from pandanus leaves. He also shows how to make nonu juice and vanilla essence from the pods.
The garden lies in Vava'u, about 10 minutes from Neiafu, and can only be visited by prior request, accompanied by a guide who shows visitors around in a group. Access to the private 'Ene'io Beach and its camping area is part of the property.
The garden provides access to a private beach area where visitors can camp and observe multiple bird species in their natural habitat. This combination of botanical collection and beach life creates an unusual destination experience.
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