Botanischer Garten Potsdam (Botanical Garden), Potsdam

The Botanical Garden in Potsdam, maintained by the University of Potsdam, is a significant botanical garden and arboretum situated in Potsdam. Spanning a total area of 8.5 hectares, with 5 hectares open to the public, the garden offers a diverse collection of plant species and is accessible daily, with an admission fee applicable only for the glasshouses.

Established in 1950 on land previously part of Sanssouci Park and the Paradise Garden, the Botanical Garden has a rich history. Post-World War II, Sanssouci Park was under the control of the Red Army and temporarily served as a branch of the Moscow Botanical Garden. The current garden, divided by Mulberry Avenue (Maulbeerallee), features the Paradise Garden in the north, used as a teaching and display area, and the institute building, greenhouses, and additional outdoor spaces to the south.

The Botanical Garden cultivates around 9,000 plant taxa, including notable collections of succulents, Begoniaceae, Araceae, Aizoaceae, Haworthia, ferns, Australian Proteaceae, orchids, chimaeras, invasive species, and Chinese medicinal herbs. Key outdoor areas feature ecological and geographical collections like an arboretum, East Asian and Eurasian steppe plants, Central European forests, North American prairies, an alpine garden, rhododendrons, wildflowers, a rose garden, and marsh and aquatic plants. There are also gardens dedicated to plant morphology, useful plants (dyes, fibers, food, medicinal, and aromatic), and endangered species from Germany.

The Botanical Garden in Potsdam features ten greenhouses spanning 3,000 square meters, housing around 4,600 tropical and subtropical species. These include specialized houses for palms, epiphytes, orchids, ferns, cacti, aquatics, and Victoria plants. The collection also includes economically and ecologically significant plants like coffee, cocoa, sugarcane, cotton, cassava, guava, begonias, and carnivorous plants, showcasing a rich diversity of global plant life.