"Tropical Forest India," a display celebrating one of the most botanically rich regions on the planet, opens next weekend at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Oakland.

To prepare for the tropical forest changeover, Phipps sent assistant curator of horticulture Bob Dunigan and program specialist Jordyn Melino to the Western Ghats in November 2010 to study the landscape and culture.

In addition, "a tremendous amount of talent, knowledge and support from the Indian communities in Pittsburgh and abroad has gone into the plans," says Phipps executive director Richard Piacentini.

Included in the exhibit will be a temple facade, healing plants used by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine and a display of interesting cultural artifacts.

Although the exhibition opens to the public next Saturday, the formal grand opening in scheduled for March 17.

For more information or to register for special events, go to www.phipps.conservatory.org or call 412-622-6914.

First Published: January 28, 2012, 5:00 a.m.