Palm House

ASIA, AUSTRALASIA, THE PACIFIC: North Wing

This area of the world is home to the greatest diversity in the palm family and Kew has a rich collection, including many shade-loving 'understorey' specimens, dwarf palms and climbing rattans, from which most 'cane' furniture is made.

Many familiar Asian fruit trees are planted here, such as mango and starfruit, along with the more unusual breadfruit, jackfruit, and Indonesia's legendary durian, which has a sublime taste, but a foul smell - the experience has been described as 'Like eating custard in a sewer.' Sugar cane and common spices, such as ginger, pepper and cardamom, are seen here as growing plants.

Sugar cane grows well in here, and common spices, such as ginger, pepper and cardamom, are seen here as growing plants.

Plant profile: Jade vine

The jade vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys) is one of the Palm House's most notable plants, with enormous wisteria-like flowers in iridescent jade green. Finally, in the apse end, there's a selection of potted palms with their characteristic 'feather' or 'fan' leaves.

Continue the tour

Back up to: Palm House Zone

Carry on to: Marine Display