Lancetilla

The Arboretum covers an area of 78 ha. It contains the world’s largest collection of Asian fruit plants in Mesoamerica, comprising 636 species from 392 genera and 107 families. These rare and exotic plants serve as a germplasm bank from which many valuable fruit cultivars have been developed. Orchids, palms, mangoes, bamboos are also represented, as well as the largest plantation of Garcinia mangostana in the western hemisphere.

Within an area of 321 ha, divided into plots, there are more than 60 different species of timber trees and exotic fruits that have been growing for over forty years. This is the oldest Honduran plantation which also contains its own research laboratory for teaching forestry. Technical investigators and students regularly visit the garden for research and consultation. For these visitors there is a comprehensive research facility including a tree nursery with a capacity of one million specimens, an irrigation system, a training centre equipped with classrooms, laboratories, a library, a conference hall and living quarters with basic services for 32 guests.

The Biological Reserve occupies 1,281 ha, of which 85% is covered with unexplored secondary forest. The Reserve is divided into two zones, tropical humid forest and subtropical very humid forest. Here can be found many mammals, some of which are in danger of extinction, such as the puma, howling monkey, wild cat and deer. The birdlife is varied, with over 250 identified species, plus reptiles, fish, and insects.

Lancetilla is implementing an important mission of ecological education at the national and international level. Every year the Garden receives approximately 30,000 visitors from Honduras and other countries. Guided tours are provided and plants can be purchased