The Botanical Garden is a conservation area for plants outside its natural habitat. There are several kinds of plant conservation areas, but the Botanical Garden has its own unique characteristics. One of the most outstanding characteristics is the existence of a system of documenting a collection of foliage. In addition, the Botanical Garden also does research (in the field of plant taxonomy, domestication and cultivation), education of the public about plants, the environment and landscaping as well as serving as a tourist destination.
The kinds of plants that are to be planted in the Botanical Garden must meet certain criteria. Each plant is collected through several stages and thorough documentation of all plants in completed. Structuring the plant collection in the garden is done scientifically, but also to appear beautiful. The beauty and the scientific information contained in the collection of plants is the main attraction of a botanical garden.
Research of taxonomy/nomenclature of plants, domestication and reproduction is done for the purpose of conservation, education, and development of economic value. Each collection is accompanied with information identifying plants and detailing their botanical information, history and cultural information making the Botanical Garden not merely a tourist destination, but also a place of education.
Development of the botanical garden begins with the support and development of infrastructure, followed by the preparation of land and development of garden areas following a pattern and theme which is detailed in the master plan. Germination of plant collections is done in a nursery in an appointed location. The nursery includes plants for both the botanical collection and more generally for use in parklands and landscaping.
The Function of the Botanical Garden
The funcation of the Botanical Garden of South Sumatra, according to the Indonesia Institute of Science (LIPI), the Botanical Garden of Indonesia has the following functions: conservation, research and education, as well as outdoor recreation.
Conservation
The Botanical Garden Conservation serves as a place for conservation of ex-situ plants. With the depletion of the forest habitat of native plants due to the damage and the conversion of forests – Botanical Gardens are ideal places for conservation due to the research activities carried out, hence, preservation can be assisted through developments in breeding techniques and research involving habitats.
Research and Education
The essential function of botanical gardens is research and education, exploration of plants that may have scientific and economy value. For example, Bogor Botanical Garden has played a important role in the advanced cultivation of Palm Oil and Rubber plantations.
Recreation
The botanical garden is open to the public for recreational use. Visitors to the botanical garden may want to learn the details of the surrounding vegetation. Hence, the botanical garden is arranged in such a way so that the concept of the garden themes will be an attraction for visitors.
