Healthcare in Laos was in part historically based on medicine produced from plants, and the idea behind the garden is to preserve that knowledge and teach locals and visitors about them. Nature and these plants are important to the people of Laos, but the rapid development of the country threatens old knowledge, often handed down without record. The idea is that those working in the garden will document and research the biodiversity of Laos to preserve it for future generations. There are 42 Lao staff who now work at Pha Tad Ke.
Etlingera elatior (Jack) R.M.Sm.
The garden is located in South East Asia’s most biodiverse region near Luang Prabang in 14 hectares with a cliff which gives the garden its name soaring upwards just behind. From the top you can see across the Mekong and spy the odd boat plying up or down the river. You can buy tickets for the garden at the Reception Centre in Ban Wat That.
It is very remote, so remote that I felt very far from home – and certainly did not expect to find any local connection. There is strong international cooperation in the botanical field though, and I was delighted to discover that one of the strongest relationships is with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
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