Located on Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove, Florida, The Kampong contains a fascinating array of tropical fruit cultivars and flowering trees. The Kampong is the only location outside Hawaii in the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG has five locations).
Named for the Malay or Javanese word for a village or cluster of houses, The Kampong is the former estate of Dr. David Fairchild, the famed botanical explorer who traveled throughout Southeast Asia and other tropical regions collecting exotic plants he introduced to the U.S.
Kampong Planting Heritage collections from Southeast Asia, Central and South Americas, the Caribbean, and other tropical locales create a cornucopia of exotic fruit, including candle fruit, peanut butter fruit, egg fruit, cocoplums, and over 50 varieties of mango. Numerous species of palms, cycads, and flowering trees are studied by scientists from the world over. The Kampong serves as the mainland campus for NTBG's educational courses, as a living classroom used by universities and colleges for botany and horticulture courses
Stand dwarfed by an 80-year old baobab tree from Tanzania that weighs almost 50 tons! Delight in the intoxicating fragrance of flowering plants prized by the perfume industry. Marvel at the fascinating fruits and flowering trees from the tropics.
There are several buildings including the The Fairchild-Sweeney House which was designed by architect Edward Clarence Dean, and constructed in 1928. The home combines Spanish and Southeast Asian influences.
Self-guided and seasonal docent-led tours of the 10-acre property. Reservations required. Check website for open hours.