About Us
A living center for conserving Western Ghats flora through research, education, and public engagement.
overview
Rooted in History, Growing for the Future
Hortus Malabaricus Botanical Garden and Research Institute is dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of the rich plant diversity of the Western Ghats. Rooted in Kerala’s botanical heritage and inspired by the historic Hortus Malabaricus, the institute serves as a hub for scientific research, education, and public engagement.
Through focused studies in plant science and active outreach, the institute aims to preserve native species, promote traditional and modern knowledge systems, and foster a deeper connection between people and nature for collective well-being.
Entrepreneur
Sam Santhosh’s Message
Mr. Sam Santhosh
The Hortus Malabaricus Botanical Garden is a plant conservation project started in 2015 by the SciGenom Research Foundation, a non-profit trust established by me in 2010. As the name of the garden indicates, the primary focus is on the 742 plants documented in the 17th-century, 12-volume magnum opus Hortus Malabaricus, compiled by the then Dutch Governor of Cochin, Hendrik van Rheede. Thanks to Prof. K.S. Manilal, whose 35 years of work in translating the 6,000 pages from Latin to English and Malayalam has made this valuable work accessible to us today.
The main goals of the garden are Conservation, Propagation, and Research-not only of the plants in the Hortus Malabaricus but also of all plants indigenous to the Western Ghats. In addition, we have strived to highlight the wonderful world of plants and their relationship with the associated fauna. We have attempted to bring to life the historical emphasis Indian culture has always placed on plants and nature. Our hope is that the garden will not only be a place for people to learn about Kerala’s biodiversity but also to relax, enjoy, and bond with plants.
The garden is renamed as Hortus Malabaricus Botanical Garden and Research Institute (HMBGRI) in 2025 with the aim of conducting research in various fields of plant science related to the Western Ghats flora and imparting these knowledge for the benefit and enlightenment of the public
our core areas
Objectives
- Conducts research on various aspects of Western Ghats Flora including Taxonomy, ecology and conservation.
- Imparts training to students, staffs of the Forest departments, etc in plant identification and conservation matters.
- Explores and documents new plant species from the Western Ghats of India.
- Organizes, maintains and makes available live collections of native plants of various groups such as Aquatic plants, Balsams, Orchids, Bamboos, Palms, Xerophytes, medicinal plants, threatened plants, ornamental plants, etc...
- Promote public awareness of Kerala’s rich plant diversity through seminars and workshops
- Collaborate with academic institutions, botanical gardens, and conservation bodies to enhance outreach initiatives.
