Jardín botánico Reinaldo Espinosa, Botanical garden in Loja, Ecuador
Jardín Botánico Reinaldo Espinosa is a botanical garden located on a university campus in Loja at an elevation of about 2140 meters. It spans a substantial area and houses over 1000 plant species originating from both humid mountainous regions and drier climatic zones.
The garden was founded in 1949 and was Ecuador's first botanical garden dedicated primarily to plant research and conservation. This establishment marked an important moment for scientific study of the region's diverse plant life.
The garden displays Andean plants that have been grown for generations in the region, along with medicinal herbs used in local traditional medicine. Visitors can see how these species are preserved here to keep traditional knowledge alive.
The site is located on a university campus, so visitors should ask at the entrances and follow local guidelines. The best time to visit is during weekday hours when staff members are present and can provide information.
The site brings together two distinct climate zones, creating a rare blend of humid mountain forest elements and drier Pacific flora. This allows visitors to explore two completely different plant environments in one location.
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