Tropical & Subtropical Arboretum

Facility information

What is the Tropical & Subtropical Arboretum?

The Tropical & Subtropical Arboretum is located on the south side of the Okinawa Commemorative National Government Park “Ocean Expo Region”,. It was opened in October 1990. This arboretum, a total area of approximately 22 acres, is divided into two sections, sample gardens and visitor center for urban greening.

Sample gardens

Over 400 species of plants that are promising for urban greening in subtropical areas are collected, raised and exhibited on approximately 16.8 acres in accordance to the characteristic of each plant.

1 Salt/wind-Tolerant Tree Zone

Salt/wind-Tolerant Tree Zone

Trees that are tolerant of typhoons and salt wind are raised and exhibited. Trees that represent Okinawa such as Indian laurel, Ficus superba var. japonica and Bischofia javanica are raised.

2 Salt/wind-Tolerant Bush Zone

Salt/wind-Tolerant Bush Zone

Bushes unique to southern areas, which are tolerant of typhoon and salt wind, are raised and exhibited. Plants such as Wikstroemia retusa, Scaevola frutescens, Maytenus diversifolia and Crossotephium chinense Makino are raised.

3 Salt/wind Tolerant Palm Tree Zone

Salt/wind Tolerant Palm Tree Zone

Palm trees that are tolerant of typhoons and salt wind are raised and exhibited. Plants full of tropical atmosphere that are mainly raised are Arecales such as Cocos nucifera and Livistona chinensis var. subglobosa, as well as Pandanus odoratissimus, Pandanus boniensis and Pandus utillis.

4 Hedge and Vine Tree Zone

Hedge and Vine Tree Zone

Bushes such as Antidesma pentandrum, Buxus liukiuensis, Murraya paniculata and Clerodendrum inerme are raised in a maze-like form in order to have fun and view the plants suited for hedges in the subtropical zone at the same time. Also, in the sample gardens, there are pergolas and poles in place and climbing plants such as Cissus, Bougainvillea and T.grandiflora Roxb are raised in ways that suit each of them.

5 Street Tree Zone

Street Tree Zone

This zone introduces street trees that ease the summer sunlight and beautify the townscape with greenery. Trees such as Ficus lyrata, Tamarindus indica, Artocarpus altilis and Koelreuteria elegans are raised.

6 Ground Cover Plant Zone

Ground Cover Plant Zone

Not only ground cover plants that are used for greenery of parks and roads, but also ground cover plants that can be used in ordinary homes are raised and exhibited. Zoysia grasses suited for subtropical areas such as Zoysia matrella, Saint Augustinegrass, Zoysia tenuifolia Willd and Zoysia japonica are also raised. Ground cover plants that bloom flowers such as Ajuga pygmaea and Oenothera speciose are raised as well.

7 Herb Garden Zone

Herb Garden Zone

Herbs centering on those that are suited to the climate of Okinawa are raised and exhibited. Approximately 90 kinds of herbs such as mint, basil, rosemary and aloe are raised.

8 Acid-Loving Plants Zone

Acid-Loving Plants Zone

It is a sample garden of plants which have high ornamental value such as Theaceae plants, as well as Azalea, which are suited for the acid soil of Okinawa.

‘Banko’ Forest

“Banko” is a dialect of Hatomajima Island (near Yaeyama) which stands for a place on a board laid in a breezy tree shade or on top of a tree where people took a nap and communicated. you can enjoy ground golf on the grass square.