The Palm House is an exquisite, painstakingly restored Victorian glasshouse imported from Bremen, Germany in 1875.
It is thought to be the only one of its kind still in existence – must-see at Adelaide Botanic Garden.
The Palm House was designed by German architect, Gustav Runge, and the sophisticated engineering techniques used in its construction make it a benchmark in glasshouse design.
The hanging glass walls are similar to those used in today's city buildings and were very advanced for the time. This sophistication, and Adelaide's dry climate, probably account for the building's survival.
In 1986 corrosion of iron glazing bars made the Palm House unsafe for public use and it was closed. A conservation study carried out in early 1991 recommended full restoration and after a successful public appeal, and a donation from the federal government, this was carried out.
Roll on another 27 years to 2018, and further works were required to treat salt damp and corrosion, and to prune plants to allow light to reach smaller plants. After an eight month closure, the heritage-listed building opened again for all to enjoy.
The Palm House now features a wonderful collection of plants from the island of Madagascar. The plants require warm and dry growing conditions, which also aids in the conservation of the building.
About 150 million years ago, Madagascar and Australia were both part of the supercontinent, Gondwana. Its flora was the ancient ancestors of today's modern native plants.
Many of the plants featured in the Palm House are at risk, or endangered, in their natural habitat.
Daily 10am - until one hour before the Garden closes.
Free entry.
