If the main vocation of Chèvreloup is to present trees from temperate zones, the estate also showcases tropical collections in greenhouses, used for research and the conservation of endangered species. They are only accessible on guided tours.
Greenhouses for reference collections
The tropical greenhouses are home to nearly 7,000 plants representing more than 4,400 species. Covering 6000 m², several hothouses and plastic tunnels recreate climates varying from desert areas to tropical mountain rainforests.
Among the best represented groups, we count orchids with 634 species out of the 30,000 ones known, fuchsias with 53 species out of 105 described, pelargonium with 137 out of more than 400 documented species, sabal palmettos, Central American and Caribbean palm trees with 11 species out of 16 identified in the wild. Also a very great wealth of plants from South Africa with 412 species. Finally a remarkable collection of plants from Madagascar (271 species) completes this fine set of wild species.
Domesticated biodiversity is represented by cultivars (varieties produced by humans) of fuchsias (412) and pelargonium (288 with coloured or variegated foliage).
Open to researchers on a daily basis, the tropical greenhouses are accessible on request for professional groups, companies or amateur associations; the greenhouses are not open to the public except on guided tours, which are regularly organized on different themes on Mondays.
