February 2009 – January 2012

Approximately 70% of the plant life that brought Tropical Forest Thailand to life was removed to make way for the plants that would fill the new Tropical Forest: Headwaters of the Amazon exhibit. After a three-week research trip to Peru, Phipps horticulturists chose a selection of plants that are culturally significant to the peoples of the Amazon region, including plants that they grow, eat and use to make tools or construct housing. Tibouchina, philodendrum, plumeria and angel's trumpets were among the plants that surrounded a variety of towering palms as well as balsa, banana, coconut and citrus trees. Educational stations included a Manoic toasting hut, interpretation about epiphytes (which are plants that grow on other plants and are abundant in the Amazon) and a small medicine hut. 

Scenic Overlook

---

Scenic Overlook

---

Hut Replica

---

Photos © Paul g. Wiegman