NYBG Conservatory - Deserts of America and Africa

In the first installment of our tour of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory in New York Botanical Garden we featured their collection of rainforest and aquatic plants. Now in the second installment we'll be featuring their collection of succulents, xerophytic, and drought tolerant plants as seen in the sections Deserts of the America and Deserts of Africa. 

It was overcast outside whilst we were looking in the rainforest sections which has affected the light levels inside. By the time we have passed through the tunnel into the 'arid' sections the clouds have parted and it was sunny again which made for touring the remaining areas extra enjoyable. And quite appropriate too, like the weather gods have been orchestrating the lighting effects whilst we were there: dark and atmospheric whilst in the rainforests, bright and sunny whilst in the deserts!

You'll see a Washingtonia palm and a display of Tillandsias as you go out from the tunnel

I like the way they presented these Tillandsias which looks more like contemporary decor. Something similar can be adapted as an option when one fancies displaying air plants in the house.

Spiky heaven!

Love the bright pink opuntia fruits contrasting with everything else.

The Agave stricta (left) looks like its glowing

A more muted Cacti bed

Looking back to where we came out from

Yucca filifera, nice!!

Dioon edule

A young clump of Yucca schidigera

Aloe sp.

Encephalartos sp. - a handsome specimen!

Aloe antandroy

A towering Euphorbia specimen

And that Euphorbia again with Gaz for scale

Encephalartos horridus

One last glance into their desert plants before we proceed into the final section of the conservatory...

Apart from the main areas with permanent displays there is actually another section of the conservatory that is allocated for seasonal displays and temporary exhibitions. The collection of plants here are eclectic due to the nature of the purpose of the space but is well worth a perusal.

Reminded us of the houseplant section of a garden center. Fab tropical colours!

Maajestic balls of Staghorn ferns Platycerium bifurcatum and...

Platycerium stemaria

And one last look before we exit the conservatory.

We had a splendid time looking around the conservatory and seeing so many gorgeous plants. The weather made a total turn around from dull and dreary at the start to gorgeous and sunny by the time we got out from the conservatory, very summery even. The immediate surroundings of the glasshouse were looking especially good and will be featured on a separate post to follow soon.

And befitting the location of the post we wish all our readers in the US a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Mark :-)