Trees have always held a special place in human culture. They feature in our mythology, our customs, our religions and our everyday lives. We gain construction materials, combustibles, food and shelter from them.

The HHU botanical garden has woody plants from all continents. They include well-known species, such as the impressive giant sequoia from North America and Asia, pretty magnolia trees, and empress trees, alongside extremely rare plants: our male kahikatea tree is the only one of its kind in Europe.

Year of foundation: 1979

Number of taxa/accessions: about 400/600

Purpose/use: 

• Research
• Academic teaching
• Conservation of species
• Public display collection