Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2016 | Page 425

Botanic Gardens In 1765, 20 acres of land were cleared by the then Governor of the Windward Islands and used as a plantbreeding area. The intention was to cultivate some of the wild plants growing on the island and to import plants from similar climates with the hope of improving the island’s resources. Nutmegs, black pepper, carambola, tropical trees, palms, lilies, hibiscus and bouganvillea were some of the plants cultivated. In 1793, Captain Bligh introduced breadfruit from Polynesia, a plant which has provided food for generations, not only to people in St. Vincent but also in other Caribbean islands. Breadfruit 421