Bristol Aquarium’s glasshouse is creating its own floral corner of the Caribbean, thanks to a donation of Jamaican plants.
The plants and flowers were donated by Bristol resident Pearl Quashie-Williams, who has been growing them in her Eastville home for years
The plants, including Jamaican Thyme, prickly pear, wax plant, spider plant and Christmas cactus, were grown from cuttings taken from flowers in her childhood home back in Jamaica.
Horticulturist Wendy Desyllas, who looks after the aquarium’s botanical collection, said: “Pearl has been growing these plants for years as a reminder of her home.
“However she contacted us when they began taking over her living room and she needed the extra space.
“We were delighted to be able to help out and hopefully they will continue to grow and thrive here at the aquarium and provide Pearl with somewhere to come and relive her childhood,” she added.
In addition to its aquatic residents, the Harbourside attraction is home to dozens of exotic plants, flowers and trees from around the world – all housed within a giant glasshouse.
As well as the Caribbean additions, the glasshouse features a ‘Jurassic Corner’ based around a collection of prehistoric tree ferns and fruiting banana trees.
The botanical collection also features a display of flowering bougainvillea, Spanish flags, papaya plants and Madagascan jasmine.
Among the other horticultural highlights are the giant bamboos which grow at an extraordinary rate of up to 20 centimetres a day and the aquarium’s own crop of chillis and tamarillos.
As part of the ongoing development of the botanic house there are plans to introduce a mini beast safari for younger visitors which will include a wormery and a spotters guide to take home.
Issued by Bristol Aquarium. For more information and to arrange picture/ filming opportunities please contact Tina Patel, or David Waines on 0117 929 8929.
