National Tropical Botanical Garden
The National Tropical Botanical Garden (1,600 acres) is a privately-funded group of botanical gardens operated under charter from the United States Congress. The organization maintains four gardens and three preserves in Hawaii and one in Florida.
The Garden was first chartered in 1964 under Public Law 88-449, which formed the Pacific Tropical Botanical Garden. In 1988, Congress updated the name in recognition of the additional garden in southern Florida. Under its charter, the Garden administers gardens of extraordinary beauty and historical significance, advancing scientific research, public education, and plant conservation. Current Garden sites are:
- Allerton Garden (also known as Lawai-kai) - Kauai, Hawaii
Throughout its history, the Garden staff have made major contributions to conservation. They have made more than 1,200 plant exploration trips through the Pacific Islands, discovering more than 30 new species; pioneered propagation techniques for over 45% of Hawaiian flora, including 248 rare and endangered species; and established the world's most comprehensive collection of breadfruits.