Seed collecting in Madagascar (cont.)

Why is spiny forest disappearing?

Madagascar's population is largely dependent on the land and agriculture, and forestry has historically had a higher priority than conservation. You can support conservation in Madagascar by donating to Kew's Threatened Plants of Madagascar Appeal.

Find out more about succulent plants in Madagascar...

Is the Aloe suzannae now considered extinct?

On a later trip to Madagascar, the Aloe suzannae was found and seeds successfully collected.

Plant profile: Aloe suzannae...

How can I find out more about Kew's work in Madagascar?

Find out more about Kew's work in Madagascar...

How many species have been collected at the Millennium Seed Bank?

Almost 100% of British Species have been collected and we aim to have collected 10%of World Species by 2010.

More Millennium Seed Bank FAQs....

Can I deposit seed at the Seedbank?

Members of the public cannot deposit seed in the Seed Bank. A mini-seedbank is available for you to store your own seed.

Find out more about seed storage....

Where is the Millennium Seedbank?

The Millennium Seedbank is at Kew's country garden - Wakehurst Place, Ardingley, West Sussex. There is a display area and you can see the scientists at work. The vaults are not open to the public.

Find out more the Millennium Seed Bank...

Re-planting pagoda vista

What role did Nesfield play in the landscaping of Kew?

Nesfield was a nineteenth century landscape designer. He was asked to re-design Kew's arboretum. Much of his vision can be seen at Kew from the shape of the beds outside the Palm House to the magnificent vistas which meet at the Palm House.

Find out more about William Andrews Nesfield...

What is Kew's advice on planting trees?

When transplanting a fieldgrown tree the rootball is kept moist after lifting from the field and wrapped with hessian to keep it moist and to prevent the small fiborous feeding roots from drying out and dying. This should be done even for short periods of time. If planting straight from containers then they should be thoroughly watered prior to planting. All trees should be watered in to settle the soil around the roots to prevent air pockets, as this will also roots to die. The holes we dig are about one and a half spits deep ( about 18 - 20 inches - 45- 50 cms) and no organic material is added i.e. compost. This encourages the tree to grow out into the surrounding soil quicker and not to sit in it's own compost. The perfect planting depth is also critical, trees planted too deep will be short lived. The perfect depth is at what we call the nursery line, this is the mark shown on the stem of a plant where it originally came out of the field, in the case of a container grown plant, the mark at the soil level in the pot. The hole is dug square as it is easier for the roots to break out of the tree pit when they reach a corner, rather then going round and round, in a round hole as they do in a pot. We ensure that the trees are centred in the pit and upright and most are supported usually with canes for the first 12 months. They are then mulched to retain moisture and suppress weeds from around the young trees, but the mulch must be kept clear of the immediate base of the plant. For smaller trees, We put netting (which we call baskets) around around the smaller trees and it is for there for protection often from water fowl and normally stays on for 2 - 5 years. The underground support system is made from low-grade metal and stays there until it degrades.

Heating the Waterlily House

Is it true that the greatest source of heat in the Waterlily House is the water in the pool?

The water provides heat and humidity within the house but we do have to monitor the Waterlily House very carefully as the temperature can be changeable.

When is the waterlily house open?

The Waterlily House is open from Spring until early Autumn. Victoria cruziana, the giant waterlily, is at its best in July and August.

Find out more about the Waterlily House...

What temperature should tropical plants be kept at?

The Waterlily House is usually kept at 24 degrees Centigrade. In the programme, the temperature drops to 12 degrees. Death for many of the plants would be 8 degrees.

What is the history of the Campanile?

Find out more about the Campanile...

(Please note the Campanile is not open to the public.)

Can I visit the underground tunnels and hidden Kew?

It is not possible to visit the tunnels for health and safety reasons. Friends of Kew organise many behind the scenes visits to other places.

Find out more about the Friends of Kew events and activities...

Orchid identification

How are orchids identified?

When each species is described, a description is published stating the features of each plant. Kew experts can also compare the plants to other examples in the collection.

Find out more about orchids...
Find out more about plant classification...

What was the name of the mystery orchid?

The mystery orchid is Neomoorea wallisii

Search Kew's electronic Plant Information Centre for scientific information about Neomoorea wallisii...

Can you identify my orchid?

We are unable to provide an identification service for orchids. Please note that many orchids are governed by the CITES convention for protected species and import and export is strictly regulated.

Where can I see orchids at Kew?

Orchids are always on display at the Princess of Wales conservatory. The display changes on a regular basis. During our annual orchid festival, the Conservatory is ablaze with the colour of orchids.

Find out more about the orchid zones in the Princess of Wales Conservatory...

Other FAQs

Which is Main Gate?

Main Gate is on Kew Green. Although more visitors arrive at Victoria Gate, it retains its name because it was the entrance that visitors mainly used in 1840s when for the first time the public were allowed to enter the Gardens unaccompanied.

Find out more about the Main Gate...