Botanical Garden of Loja

The oldest botanical garden in Ecuador is in Loja. It is part of the campus of the National University of Loja. In an area of 7 hectares grow 1,385 species of native and exotic plants. It was founded in 1949 by the scientist and botanist Reinaldo Espinosa.

 

It is located at the convergence of warm humid air currents from the Amazon and warm dry air currents from the Pacific. This privileged position produces a unique floral diversity in the province of Loja, which also gives shelter to related fauna. The distribution of the vegetation does not obey any order. A biological laboratory like no other in Ecuador.

 

All the plants that develop in the Garden give origin to a mountainous microclimate, a refuge for birds such as sparrows, blackbirds, lapos, bakers and hummingbirds. Amphibious insects and reptiles are part of the fauna of the place. The trees provide shade for orchids and bromeliads, which give color and are a complement to the landscape.

 

Some names of endemic flora are the Pumamaqui, Casa casa, Cascarilla and Payamo. Introduced species are the Ash, Olive, Gingo, Chestnut, Oak and Redwood.

 

Strict rules for entering the Botanical Garden must be followed to preserve it. Pay the fixed entry fee. Pets are prohibited. The walk is exclusive on trails. No plant material may be taken out. Proper disposal of waste. Smoking is prohibited.

 

It is located 5 km from Loja via Vilcabamba, at 2140 meters above sea level. Annual rainfall 900 mm. Average temperature 15.3°C. Relative humidity 60%. Dry low mountain forest. Registered with the International Organization for the Conservation of Botanical Gardens (BGCI).