IB-UNAM Botanical Garden

The UNAM Botanical Garden is run by the of the Institute of Biological Sciences. It’s also known as the Fausto Miranda Garden.  The second oldest botanical garden in the country, it’s nearly always been thought of as the “National Botanical Garden.”

Founded in 1959, it was made part of the Institute of Biological Sciences in 1961. From the beginning, the objective was to maintain a collection of living plants representative of plant diversity across Mexico. This was, and is, to support research and education in Botany.

From the initial collections of plants for the garden, emphasis was placed on rare or endemic plants from the tropical and arid zones of the country. Today this includes a huge number of of threatened and endangered Mexican species. About one third of endangered species grow here.

The garden maintains 15 collections. The UNAM Botanical Garden also contributes to the identification and conservation of natural areas and plant species at risk. They also work to develop methods of cultivation and propagation of underutilized and at-risk plants.

Visitors discover the country’s tremendous diversity in witnessing more than 1600 species of plants. Plants originate in the forests, deserts, and jungles. It also features workshops and special tours that allow visitors to contribute to the sustainable use of biodiversity.

• The garden also operates a small “Adoption Center” for endangered and at-risk plants.

The immense Pedregal de San Ángel Ecological Reserve is just south of the garden. In fact, the garden is inside the northern limits of the reserve. The access road is between the National Herbarium and the Institute of Biological Sciences.

Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. t0 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (During the winter, access is restricted one hour earlier than usual. Closed on holidays, Easter week and Winter break.)