CUBA (CIENFUEGO PROVINCE BOTANICAL GARDEN)

[Phoenix Bob]

 

Because of its "isolated" location, Cienfuegos Province Botanical Garden in Cuba is (blessedly) little known to most travelers, especially U.S, residents.  This garden is rumored to have one of the world's finest collection of palms, and after a visit  last week, I would believe believe such claims.  The park is immense (several hundred acres I would presume), and palms are only a part of its extensive flora display.  Cienfuegos is also known for its huge collection of all things tropical. Unfortunately, I was only able to spend a few hours in this place which would require several days of exploration in order to make a (arguably)  thorough  reconnaissance.  I have yet to sort through and edit all of my 800+ photos from this adventure, but when I do I will try and post some here in the near future. 

 

 

At present for Americans, legally traveling to (and in) Cuba requires some special planning.   To go directly from the U.S., one must be part of a sanctioned tour group whose sole purpose is strictly “educational” and for “cultural exchange.”  However, depending on the upcoming elections here in November, many of these current travel restrictions may disappear.  It should also be kept in mind if contemplating a trip there is that Cuba is definitely a third world country in every way.  The poverty is wrenching, virtually all tap water is unfit for drinking, and the infrastructure of the entire island can only be described as deplorable; outside Havana, the major form of transportation for all people and freight is horse and wagon.  One of my objectives in making this trip was to see one of my favorite palms, Roystonea Regia, in habitat.  I was not disappointed!  The most positive aspect of a trip to this communist dinosaur is meeting the Cuban people.  They are bright, well educated, welcoming and optimistic about their future.

 

After returning via Florida, my wife and I made a special side trip to visit the Searle Brothers Nursery in Pembroke Pines just west of Miami.  Their “Rain Forest Collection” is remarkable and certainly worth a visit.  Though it was a regular workday, Jeff Searle was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to “talk palms” with me and exchange a little I.P.S. information.  Jeff is a really good guy, and certainly knowledgable.  It was a pleasure to meet him.

[Palmarum]

7 hours ago, Phoenix Bob said:

Because of its "isolated" location, Cienfuegos Province Botanical Garden in Cuba is (blessedly) little known to most travelers, especially U.S, residents. ....

I hadn't heard of this garden myself, so I look forward to the photos for sure.

Ryan

[sur4z]

A short history of the garden

http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/1999/04.08/cuba.html

 

 

[Phoenix Bob]

Thanks.  Gives me an enriched perspective of what I experienced while visiting.  The Harvard connection was known to me before traveling to Cuba, but the added detail provided in Hazen's article really rounded out my previously, overly redacted knowledge of the garden.  In spite of the current obstacles Americans must surmount in order to see Cuba first hand, I would highly recommend doing so.

 

Phoenix Bob 

[sur4z]

Exactly...I want to get there before McDonald's does. I live in S Fla so it is a short swim.-Peter