Phipps puts the vibrancy of the subcontinent on display in the Tropical Forest India exhibition
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Raja Puri, an Indian banana plant, is part of the exhibit. -
Dwarf Buddha's Belly Bamboo, a new planting in the Indian Rain Forest room that will open on Saturday.
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If you had to describe the new Tropical Forest India display at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in one word, it would be "colorful," says assistant curator of horticulture Ben Dunigan.
In fact, during his visit to India to prepare the exhibit, Mr. Dunigan found the use of color in America pales in comparison.
The people of India are enthusiastic in their use of color, and it is hoped that the major exhibit, which opens today and continues for three years, will convey that.
This is the third incarnation of the Tropical Forest exhibit. The first was illustrative of Thailand, and the second took a look at an Amazon tropical forest. The construction of the current display required the removal of about 80 percent of the existing plant material, says Mr. Dunigan. And while lots of new things are being brought in, some of them might look pretty familiar to visitors. Impatiens, marigolds and papyrus are all native to India. Other less recognizable plants such as Tulsi and the Ashwagandha are classified as Ayurvedic plants and have been widely used for medicinal/holistic purposes for centuries.
Spice plants such as turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, mustard, cumin and pepper will be on display, as will tea trees. Visitors can also see a Neem tree, from which is derived an environmentally friendly insecticide, and teak trees, from which furniture is made.
"One of the reasons people should come is that this exhibit will allow them to make the connection, looking at a mock spice market and seeing the spices growing, or a tea market and seeing tea plants," says Mr. Dunigan.
Fragrant plants are also an important component of Indian forests. Several types of jasmine as well as the Ylang Ylang tree, which is used in the making of Chanel No. 5 perfume, are on display.
The local Indian community has been very involved in the creation of this exhibit. Some people formed a committee to help make sure the symbolism was correct, and that appropriate colors were used in the displays and on the Hindu temple facade that was still being finished and painted this week. Local Indian artists have also been called upon to provide authentic art.
"It is our hope that this unique exhibit celebrating one of the most precious natural areas on Earth will captivate visitors with its beauty, inspiring them to explore the many ways we can all help to promote biodiversity with the choices we make every day," says Phipps executive director Richard Piacentini.
A formal grand opening will be 6 to 10 p.m. March 17. Festivities will include authentic Indian food and live performances, including dancers. Attire will be exotic Indian and cocktail. Valet parking will be provided. Tickets are $150 for the benefactor level and $125 for patron level. Reservations should be made by March 10. For information, call 412-651-5281 or email to reservations@phipps.conservatory.org.
Phipps hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; until 10 p.m. Fridays. Adults $12; seniors 62 and students with valid ID, $11; children 2-18, $9; children under 2, free.
First Published February 4, 2012 12:00 am
