The Leaf at the Assiniboine Park and Zoo now boasts of a new display inspired by the lush tropical forests that define the breathtaking landscapes of the Philippines.
The “Flora of the Philippines” at the Babs Asper Display House will run until March 17 and will include a number of unique display features as follows:
- Orchid Trees and Pillars – Two orchid “trees” frame the entrance and exit of the display area. Dotted throughout the display are unique pillars constructed out of bamboo sustainably harvested from the Hartley and Heather Richardson Tropical Biome and decorated with orchids. Around 1,200 orchid species are known to grow naturally in the Philippines.
- Bromeliad Tree – Bromeliads are a large family of vibrant plants boasting unique foliage and colourful blooms. Most, but not all, bromeliads are epiphytic, which means they do not live in soil, but on trees or rocky surfaces. While they are not endemic to the Philippines, sun-loving bromeliads are well-suited to the country’s tropical climate and are commonly grown and sold there as ornamental plants.
- Living Arches – Four benches in the display area sit beneath beautiful arches covered in earthy moss and decorated with orchids. The arches provide visitors with a decorative and visually appealing rest area where they can relax and take in the beauty of the display
- Discovery Table – An interactive display table features fruit and plant material that is grown in the Philippines like parts of a banana (saging), coconuts (niyog), jackfruit (langka) and mangosteen (manggustin). Visitors are encouraged to take a closer look at the plant material and invited to gently touch and smell the items, while ensuring they remain in the display for the enjoyment of all guests.
Plant material significant to the Philippines will also be highlighted in the Hartley and Heather Richardson Tropical Biome with labels bearing the national flag of the Philippines. Visitors can also see breadfruit, crepe jasmine, pineapple, and banyan tree.
The exhibit is included with regular Leaf admission. More information can be found at assiniboinepark.ca. The biomes at The Leaf are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
(News Source and Photo Credit: Assiniboine Park Conservancy Press Release, Jan 24, 2024)
Comments