botanicactus

In Spain, and specifically on the island of Mallorca, there are several botanical gardens that are worth visiting. One of them is the one that we find in the extreme south of the island, and that was given the name of Botanicactus.

Only by listening or reading that term we can already get an idea of ​​the climate in the area, and of course what type of plants we find in this place. But the truth is that the Botanicactus, with an area of ​​150.000 square meters, has much more to teach us.

What is its history?

The history of the Botanicactus began around 1987. At that time, a team of professionals and plant enthusiasts, and in particular cacti, decided to create a botanical garden in Mallorca. They studied different options, and In the end they decided to build it in Ses Salines, since the climate of the area would allow the plants to grow better.

Thus, during two years different tasks were carried out, such as raising some hills that would serve as windbreaks, or the construction of a length of fresh water that would end up having an area of ​​10 square meters and a depth of 4 meters. This lake is a water reservoir, so it is used for irrigation; in addition, it is navigable.

Finally, it was inaugurated two years later, May 20, 1989.

What can we see in it?

The garden is divided into different areas, each with its own types of plants, which are:

• Cacti and succulents area: occupies an area of ​​40.000 square meters. Here there are many types of cacti and succulents, such as Ferocactus, Echinocactus grussonii, Euphorbia, Aloe ... It is even possible to see some saguaro (The giant carnage).
• Tropical and subtropical zone: with an area of ​​50.000 thousand square meters, it is undoubtedly one of the most important in the area. This is where the lake is located, as well as an interesting variety of palm trees, such as brahea armata, many Phoenix or Butia; climbers and exotic shrubs.
• Native plant area: in an area of ​​25.000 square meters, we will see pines, almonds, pomegranates, olive trees and other native plants.

What is your schedule and price?

The hours vary depending on the month of the year. It is usually open from March to October, from 9 a.m. to 18.30:14 p.m., except on weekends when it opens until 10.30 p.m. From November to February it is open only from 14.30:XNUMX a.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. But if you are going to go, we recommend you contact before to make sure, as there may be changes.

If we talk about the price of the ticket, it's 10 euros.

Botanicactus location

This is a Botanical Garden that it is located on the outskirts of the town of Ses Salines, in the south of Mallorca (Balearic Islands), and it is accessed by taking the road that connects said town with Cala Llombards. At kilometer 1, passing the sports field, we will easily find it.

In this island region, the Mediterranean climate shows one of its worst faces: up to six months can go by without rain, and that period also coincides with summer, which is when temperatures skyrocket to 38ºC when there is a heat wave. On the other hand, winters are very mild. It is possible that the temperature drops to -2ºC, but that is very rare. The normal thing in this season is that the maximums are about 15ºC and the minimums of about 5-6ºC.

All this allows to grow an immense variety of plants, which makes the Botanicactus a real gem for gardening enthusiasts, and particularly for those who are just starting out.

My experience visiting the Botanicactus

I am lucky to have the Botanicactus "next to home". I can go on foot without problems, although I prefer to take the car for safety reasons (the road it is on, especially in summer, has a lot of traffic). I have visited him many times: when I was just starting out in gardening, and years later.

If I have something to say, it's that it's great to have a good time. It can take a whole morning to see the entire garden, and it is also interesting since you have the possibility of coming up with design ideas for your own garden. The problem is that if you have a lot of knowledge of gardening or botany, you may not like it, since not all the plants are labeled for example.

But hey, taking that away, I'd give it a 7 out of 10. It's pretty, pretty good if you want to spend a day surrounded by plants, contemplate a lake with an island where palm trees are planted, and a great variety of exotic and native flora species. .