An unrivalled taste of exotic
Southeast Asia comes to Britain this autumn as the Royal Botanic Garden
Edinburgh (RBGE) goes public with new plant treasures from its research and
conservation collections, for the launch of a Malaysian Glasshouse Trail on Tuesday,
October 9. Realised thanks to support from Tourism Malaysia and the ongoing
efforts of Professor
Stephen Blackmore, the Regius Keeper of RBGE, the innovative attraction includes species not
previously seen on public display, as well as fresh audience interpretation of
many plants native to the region and prized for their cultural and commercial
uses.
“Malaysia is
recognised as a hugely species-diverse country and RBGE is playing a key role
in the documentation and conservation of the vast array of plants found there”,
explained Dr Peter Wilkie, a tropical botanist who specialises in plants
endemic to that part of the world. “By collecting and researching plants from
the region scientists and horticulturists are developing better understanding
of how the various species interact with the wider environment. Ultimately,
this facilitates improved conservation initiatives in the native habitats”.
Head of Interpretation, Alan
Bennell, added it had been an inspirational project to cultivate: “RBGE not only holds the world’s largest
display of tender Vireya rhododendrons, it is also home to particularly diverse
collections of African violets (Gesneriaceae), gingers (Zingiberaceae) and
begonias (Begoniaceae), to name just four groups represented in Malaysia.
Therefore, it makes absolute sense that we should work with Tourism Malaysia to
allow the general public an insight into its amazing botanical treasures.
Perhaps they may even be inspired to visit this beautiful country”.
As well as bringing out new plants
from RBGE’s research glasshouses into public display, fresh forms of
interpretation, including a Malaysian market stall, have been created to bring
into context the true diversity of the country’s plant life.
Ecotourism is increasingly popular in
Malaysia with tourists visiting the country’s preserved rainforest,
appreciating the flora & fauna on display. More
than half of Malaysia’s 329,758 sq km surface is covered by tropical
rainforests that host an array of exotic and protected plants and animals.
Amongst the many great sites include Perdana
Botanical Garden, Hibiscus Garden and Orchid Garden, Putrajaya Botanical
Garden, Cameron Highlands, Secret Garden-Petaling Jaya and the Danum Valley
Conservation Area in Borneo, recently visited by the Duke and Duchess of
Cambridge.
Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Minister of
Tourism, Malaysia, who has
been central to the inception of the trail, said she believed the partnership
was a uniquely special way allowing British residents – and tourists visiting
Edinburgh – a clearer insight into the magnificent natural resources of this
vast multicultural land and further strengthening relationships and reciprocal
tourism between Scotland and Malaysia.
“Malaysians are known to be warm and friendly,
the country’s geography is as diverse as its
culture, as recently witnessed by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their
tour of Malaysia, which included the Danum Valley Conservation Area’s rainforest
and gardens”, she commented. “This means we have splendidly extreme contrasts,
from the cool hideaways of the highlands that roll down to warm sandy beaches
and rich, humid, mangroves. The new display at Edinburgh presents this
landscape in an exciting new way. In the longer term, perhaps it may even
encourage more people from Britain to visit Malaysia and experience our magical
country first hand.”
-ENDS-
NOTES TO
EDITORS
- Fauna, Wildlife, Park & Gardens packages are available from £2,139pp, visit: www.etours.co.uk, www.funwayholidays.co.uk, www.audleytravel.com
- For background information visit: www.tourism.gov.my
- Tour Operators based in Scotland with packages in Malaysia include If Only: www.ifonly.net/south-east-asia/malaysia, Destinology: www.destinology.co.uk/malaysia-holiday-offers
- Malaysia has a wealth of Botanical Gardens and stunning landscapes, such as the Cameron Highlands spanning 712 sqkm.
- Support for press trips is available for selected publications, please e-mail flo@representationplus.co.uk
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