Curepipe Botanic Gardens
A cool-climate botanical garden in the highlands of Mauritius
Curepipe Botanic Gardens is the second largest botanical garden in Mauritius, set in the cooler uplands of Curepipe. Visitors find a mix of exotic and rare native plants, a river, a lake, and the only known Hyophorbe amaricaulis palm.
- Home to the world's only Hyophorbe amaricaulis palm
- Founded in 1870 to grow plants unsuited to coastal heat
- Features a Victorian gazebo for community events
- Entry is free for all visitors
- Focus on rare and endangered Mauritian plants
What is Curepipe Botanic Gardens?
Curepipe Botanic Gardens covers about 27 acres in the upland town of Curepipe, Mauritius. The garden features a relaxed, informal design with winding paths, a river, and a lake lined with palms. There is a Victorian-style gazebo for community gatherings and concerts. The garden is home to both exotic ornamentals and rare native plants, including the only living Hyophorbe amaricaulis palm, which is protected by fencing.
The history of Curepipe Botanic Gardens
Founded in 1870, the gardens were created to grow plant varieties that struggled in the warmer coastal areas of Mauritius. Early plantings included imported ornamentals like rhododendrons, camphor trees, and fruit trees. Over time, the garden began to focus on conserving rare and endangered native species. In the 1980s, it was renamed after Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the first prime minister of independent Mauritius.
What there is to see
The garden is open to the public at no charge, with main and secondary entrances for visitors. Paths lead through collections of exotic and local plants, past a river and a lake. The Forestry Department, located next door, works with the municipal council to introduce and care for rare Mauritian species, such as indigenous Pandanus trees planted near the water.
When to go
People visit Curepipe Botanic Gardens to see its plant collections, enjoy the cooler climate, and attend occasional community events at the gazebo. The garden serves as a living collection for both ornamental and threatened native plants. It is also a point of interest for those wishing to see the rarest palm in the world.
Parts and collections
The garden’s plantings include a mix of imported species, such as azaleas and camphors, as well as a growing number of rare Mauritian endemics. The Hyophorbe amaricaulis palm stands out as a unique specimen, being the only one of its kind left. Different areas of the garden highlight various plant groups and habitats.
Why Curepipe Botanic Gardens matters
Curepipe Botanic Gardens is important for plant conservation in Mauritius, especially for rare and endangered native species. The garden is also a local landmark, with azaleas featured on the town’s coat of arms. Its unique palm, Hyophorbe amaricaulis, draws interest from botanists and visitors alike.
Questions people ask about Curepipe Botanic Gardens
Where is Curepipe Botanic Gardens located?
The gardens are in Curepipe, Mauritius, about 2 km west of the town center, in the upland region known for its cooler climate.
What is special about the garden's plant collection?
It contains both exotic ornamentals and a growing number of rare and endangered Mauritian native plants, including the only known Hyophorbe amaricaulis palm.
Is there an entrance fee to visit?
No, entry to Curepipe Botanic Gardens is free for all visitors.
What is the history of the garden?
Established in 1870, the garden was created to grow plants that did not thrive in the warmer coastal areas. It was later named after Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the first prime minister of Mauritius.
What is the world's rarest palm found here?
The garden is home to the only living Hyophorbe amaricaulis palm, a species that has not been successfully reproduced and is protected by fencing.
Good reading and sources
- Curepipe Botanic Gardens on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Curepipe Botanic Gardens", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Opening times, prices and bloom dates change: check with the place before you travel. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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