Mont Fleuri: Nature and Educational History

Mont Fleuri brings together botanical themes and educational history. Its highlights include the National Botanical Garden, the Seychelles National Herbarium, and a monument at the former Seychelles College. These places and institutions offer different perspectives: on plants and giant tortoises, on plant specimens from the Seychelles, and on the history of two educational institutions. If you choose a destination based on its natural and cultural themes, Mont Fleuri offers several specific points of interest.

Botanical Diversity at the National Botanical Garden

The National Botanical Garden contains more than 280 plant species, including endemic and ornamental plants. Endemic species are restricted to specific regions; the term “ornamental plants” highlights their decorative role. Together, these categories show that the collection includes both regional specialties and plants valued for their ornamental qualities.

Another feature of the garden is the Thai Garden. It consists of plants from Thailand and Southeast Asia. While the figure of more than 280 species describes the size of the garden, the Thai Garden offers a perspective based on the plants’ origins. This distinguishes the garden’s overall diversity of species from this particular plant area.

Giant tortoises are also part of the National Botanical Garden, and visitors can feed them. Alongside the botanical collection, this is a specific animal-related activity that sets the garden apart from a purely plant-focused overview.

From Experimental Station to Public Park

The National Botanical Garden began as an agricultural experimental station in 1901. By the middle of the 20th century, it had become a public park. This development marks two different functions over time: first, its role in agricultural experimentation, and later, its role as a public park. This allows the garden to be viewed in both botanical and historical terms.

During educational visits, schoolchildren can learn the basics of botany and develop an appreciation for nature. The garden therefore offers both an activity for visitors involving giant tortoises and a specifically school-focused learning opportunity. This distinction helps organize the activities by audience: feeding the tortoises is for visitors, while the educational visits are aimed at schoolchildren.

Plant Specimens at the Seychelles National Herbarium

The Seychelles National Herbarium in Mont Fleuri houses plant specimens from the Seychelles. These include representatives of a large part of the country’s internationally significant flora. While the garden is characterized by its number of species, plant categories, and Thai Garden, the herbarium focuses on plant specimens and their significance to the flora of the Seychelles. The two therefore offer different botanical perspectives: the garden’s diversity of species and themes, and the specimens housed in the herbarium.

A Monument Linked to Educational History

Educational history is also represented in Mont Fleuri. At the entrance to the former Seychelles College stands a monument dedicated to the Brothers of Christian Instruction and the Sisters of St Joseph De Cluny. The dedication also includes the teachers and support staff of Seychelles College and Regina Mundi Convent. Unveiled in 2016, the monument thus commemorates several groups associated with these educational institutions. Its subject broadens the focus beyond botany and adds a distinct cultural note to Mont Fleuri.

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