John C. Gifford Arboretum, Botanical garden at University of Miami campus, Coral Gables, United States.

John C. Gifford Arboretum is a botanical garden located on the University of Miami campus with over 500 plant species on display. The collection spreads across multiple sections featuring trees, shrubs, and plants from tropical and subtropical regions.

The arboretum was founded in 1947 by university professors who gathered plants from local and state nurseries to create an educational collection. This early work established the foundation for what is now a major reference center for botanical study on the Miami campus.

The arboretum is named for John Clayton Gifford, a University of Miami professor of tropical forestry and an expert on tropical woods. In 1950 the Gifford Society of Tropical Botany was formed to promote the study of tropical plants. One exhibit is devoted to plants domesticated by the Maya.

The arboretum is free to visit and located within the university campus with parking nearby. You may want to call ahead, as access can be limited during campus events or academic schedules.

The collection includes a special section dedicated to plants that were domesticated by the Maya civilization. This section connects botanical knowledge with insights into ancient agricultural practices in Mesoamerica.