Welcome to BGCI Africa

Promoting and supporting the work of botanic gardens across Africa

Covering over 29 million square kilometres; Africa is rich in diversity of habitats, species and cultures. Vegetation types include: true desert, dry bushland, wooded grassland, rain forest and alpine desert. It is estimated that Africa has approximately between 40-45,000 species of plants, with a high level of endemism (77-87%), many of which have global importance for their medicinal, food and horticultural value.

Over 130 botanic gardens are thought to exist in Africa today, from the oldest in Durban to gardens being established today, and from large gardens such as Kirstenbosch (Cape Town) to small gardens run by one or two dedicated staff.

In 2002, BGCI helped establish, and continues to support, the African Botanic Gardens Network (ABGN) in order to strengthen and support botanic gardens throughout Africa.

Latest News

Conservation of a twice 'Extinct' tree species in Tanzania

26th April 2013

Erythrina schliebenii is a Critically Endangered tree species endemic to Tanzania. This charismatic and beautiful species was thought to be Extinct. Recently rediscovered, E. schliebenii is now in cultivation and a ceremonial planting is planned for next year.

Enhancing Tree Conservation and Forest Restoration in Africa

27th March 2013

BGCI have recently launched a new three year project funded by the Ashden Trust. The project will promote and facilitate the use of indigenous tree species in forest restoration projects across Africa and highlight the potential for botanic gardens to be more involved in restoration projects

83 percent of Madagascan palms face extinction

17th October 2012

The latest update of The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species was released today (17th October 2012). The total number of species included in the updated list is 65,518, of which 20,219 are threatened with extinction.

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