Santa Cruz Palmetum: From Dump to National Botanical Landmark

The Palmetum of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, once a city dump, has earned new recognition as a national botanical landmark. It has been awarded the "Amigos del Botánico" 2026 Prize by the Society of Friends of the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid. This award helps solidify Santa Cruz de Tenerife's position as a leader in conservation and landscaping in Spain.

This achievement is a testament to the garden's environmental recovery efforts, as it was built on the city's former main landfill. Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez emphasized that the award highlights the importance of institutions with significant botanical and historical value. He added that the Palmetum is a crucial botanical asset that enhances the city's international image. Javier Rivero, the garden's director, also underlined the project's global reach.

The Palmetum spans 12 hectares and boasts one of Europe's most extensive palm collections, with nearly 3,000 plant species and 600 varieties of palms. Beyond display, it serves a crucial role in 'ex situ' conservation, acting as a living seed bank for critically endangered species. This work is done in partnership with international organizations, such as the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami, making the Palmetum a global sanctuary for threatened palms, especially those from the Caribbean and other tropical areas.

Beyond its scientific endeavors, the Palmetum also provides a space for leisure and environmental education. Visitors can explore its diverse plant life, from the baobabs of Madagascar to the wild banana trees of New Caledonia, by following its themed Blue and Red routes. This national recognition builds on a previous Good Practices award from UNESCO, solidifying Santa Cruz's reputation as a leader in contemporary botany.