Palm House

Built 1844-48 by Richard Turner to Decimus Burton's designs, the Grade 1 listed Palm House is Kew's most recognisable building. It has gained iconic status as the world's most important surviving Victorian glass and iron structure.

Palms are second only to grasses in their importance to people. About 70% of all palm species are found in tropical rainforests, one of the most threatened habitats on earth. The Palm House creates conditions similar to tropical rainforest; around a quarter of the palms planted here are threatened in the wild, as are more than half of the cycads, the 'living fossils' of the tropics.

The Palm House also contains many plants of great economic significance, grown for their yields of fruits, timber, spices, fibres, perfumes and medicines. Plants are grouped together in geographical areas, except in the centre, where the tallest specimens need the extra height of the dome.

The Marine Display in the basement recreates four important marine habitats, complete with fish, corals and other sea creatures, and shows the importance of marine plants.

Continue the tour

Back up to: Palm House Zone

Palm House in depth:

The tallest palms (central transept)

Africa (southern wing)

The Americas (central section)

Asia, Australasia, the Pacific (northern wing)

Carry on to: Marine Display

See also

Kew's History & Heritage: Palm House

External link : International Palm Society