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Buildings and Structures
Glasshouses
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Temperate House
The Temperate House is the world's largest ornamental glasshouse, and holds a collection of subtropical plants. The main centre block and the octagons at each end were built between 1860 and 1862 to a design by Decimus Burton. The end blocks were added between 1860 and 1899.
The contents of the Temperate House are set out geographically: the northern wing contains species from temperate Asia; the north octagon has plants from Australasia and the Pacific Islands; the south octagon holds a collection of South African heaths and proteas; and in the south wing are Mediterranean and African plants. In the centre are many tall subtropical trees and palms.
Among the collections are endangered island plants being propagated for eventual re-introduction to their native soil, and important economic plants such as the jojoba, an arid-land crop often used in shampoo and cosmetics. Citrus fruits and tea are also on display, as is the world's largest indoor plant, the Chilean wine-palm.
Some of the plants found in the Temperate House:
The Temperate House is number 40 on the visitor map.