Tenerife has unveiled a remarkable new feature at its Palmetum Botanical Garden in Santa Cruz to celebrate the garden's tenth anniversary: the Papua New Guinea Zone. This new section, opened in early December, is an innovative addition to the Canary Islands, featuring a lagoon, a birdwatching hut, and a lush collection of flora, including breadfruit trees, dwarf coconut palms, and 58 other plant species.
The Palmetum, located near the Recinto Ferial Exhibition Centre, stands on a former landfill site that was decommissioned in 1984. The transformation began in 1996 and culminated in the garden’s public opening in 2014.
This year marks a decade since its inauguration, and the city council has commemorated the milestone by enhancing the garden with the new Papua New Guinea-themed space.
The area replicates the biodiversity of Papua New Guinea, the world’s largest tropical island renowned for its well-preserved ecosystems. The region boasts unique ecological gradients, ranging from mangroves to tropical alpine grasslands.
A recent study highlights Papua New Guinea’s extraordinary plant diversity, identifying 13,634 species (68% endemic), 1,742 genera, and 264 families, cementing its status as the most floristically diverse island globally.
Supporting Avian Life
A central goal of the new Papua New Guinea zone is to create a haven for birds, supporting nesting and feeding while offering visitors the opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. The lagoon’s observation point allows unobtrusive viewing of up to 94 bird species, depending on the season.
Although vegetation in the area is still developing, the space is already attracting small common birds such as pigeons, partridges, blackbirds, and canaries. Aquatic birds, including moorhens, wagtails, and egrets, have also begun frequenting the lagoon.
Sustainable and Popular
The Palmetum is a model of sustainability, using recycled water from a nearby treatment plant and repurposing plant material from city park pruning. Over its first decade, the garden has welcomed approximately 550,000 visitors and is home to some 2,000 plant species.
Despite its popularity among tourists—Tripadvisor has awarded it the Traveler’s Choice distinction for eight consecutive years—the Palmetum remains an unexplored gem for many people. The new Papua New Guinea zone, with its promise of unique birdwatching experiences, might finally encourage more to explore this botanical treasure.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a curious visitor, the Palmetum’s latest addition offers a perfect blend of biodiversity, sustainability, and recreation, solidifying its place as a must-visit destination in Tenerife.
