Henarathgoda Botanical Garden, Botanical garden in Gampaha, Sri Lanka.
Henarathgoda Botanical Garden is a botanical garden in Gampaha, in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, home to a wide range of tropical plants from different parts of the world. The grounds are laid out in separate sections, where trees, shrubs, and climbing plants from different regions grow side by side.
British colonial authorities established this garden in 1876 to test and grow tropical crops, particularly rubber. It was one of the first places in Asia where rubber tree cultivation was developed on a planned, commercial scale.
Schoolchildren visit regularly on field trips, walking past labeled trees and plants from across the tropics. Local families also come on weekends to sit under the large canopy trees, which provide shade on hot days.
The garden is within walking distance of Gampaha railway station, making it easy to reach without a car. The grounds are open and mostly uncovered, so light clothing and sun protection are worth bringing, especially in the middle of the day.
The first rubber tree seedlings from Brazil ever to arrive in Asia were planted here, and from this garden the crop spread across the whole continent. One of those original trees is still standing in the garden today.
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