Jardin des plantes et de la nature, Botanical garden and museum in Porto-Novo, Benin.

The Jardin des plantes et de la nature is a botanical garden and museum in Porto-Novo's administrative district, between the National Assembly and the Ouémé departmental hospital. Its two sites, the conservatory and the leisure area, cover 3.8 hectares and hold about 200 recorded species. At the entrance stands an iroko over 300 years old, nearly 40 metres tall and more than 10 metres around.

The garden was established before 1895 on sacred forest grounds of the Hogbonu kingdom, where it served as both a judicial center and spiritual place for indigenous ceremonies. This dual role as a seat of law and spirituality shaped its importance through the centuries.

Thirteen wooden sculptures within the garden represent Fa divination signs, connecting the space to local spiritual traditions. These carvings invite visitors to experience how nature and belief are woven together in daily life here.

The location is walkable and visitors can move freely through the gardens and exhibition areas at their own pace. Plan for several hours to properly explore the plant collections and sculptures, and bring water since the tropical sun can be intense during daytime hours.

The garden's oldest resident is an iroko at the entrance, said to be over 300 years old, nearly 40 metres tall and more than 10 metres around. Beninese belief holds that it shelters spirits, and it is regarded as a symbol of Benin's history.