New permanent exhibitions at the University of Latvia’s Botanical Garden showcasing over 1,000 plant species, including medicinal and technical plants.

University of Latvia

The Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia (LU) in Rīga has inaugurated new permanent exhibitions focusing on medicinal plants and various biological and morphological plant groups to enhance public awareness of plant diversity.

These exhibits were reported on September 30 by Latvian Radio.

Sign Tomsone, a Senior Researcher at the Botanical Garden, highlighted that the exhibitions cover approximately 4,000 square meters and feature collections cultivated in the gardens over many years.

More than 1,000 plant species are on display, and one section illustrates plants’ biological and morphological groups, serving as a “living botanical book.”

Visitors can explore different fruits, seeds, leaves, and flowers and other physical traits linked to each species’ survival in specific environments.

The exhibitions also delve into fascinating plant dispersal methods, explaining how plants migrate through various agents, such as humans, birds, and insects.

Tomsone elaborated on myrmecochory plants, whose seeds are dispersed by ants.

These seeds contain substances that attract ants, allowing them to cling to the ants and spread as they move.

Among the exhibits are technical plants from which oils, sweeteners, rubber, and fiber are extracted.

Small beds within the garden allow visitors to observe the differences in leaf shapes of trees at various ages.

One notable plant displayed is the bitter watermelon, which, while medicinal, is also poisonous.

Tomsone cautioned against consuming it due to its resemblance to edible watermelon, emphasizing the importance of being cautious with unknown plants.

The second exhibition focuses on medicinal plants, highlighting those that can also be toxic.

Each herb is accompanied by its Latin name and a description of its uses.

Tomsone noted that the exhibition features indicator plants that thrive in biologically valuable grasslands, which are increasingly rare in Latvia.

About half of the 300 species showcased are native to Latvia and other regions outside typical local flora, demonstrating the intersection of scientific and folk medicine.

Upgrades to the existing infrastructure, including the installation of new pathways and a watering system, made the newly opened exhibitions possible.

Additionally, as part of the LatViaNature project, entomologist Voldemārs Spuņģis has constructed an insect house designed to attract and house a variety of invertebrates, including bees and wasps.

With these new exhibitions, the Botanical Garden aims to educate the public about the importance of plant diversity and emphasize the need for habitat conservation and sustainable practices.