What is the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG)?

The National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving tropical plant diversity and stemming the tide of extinction through plant exploration, scientific research, and conservation. It works across five botanical gardens and throughout the tropics, using a biocultural approach in which Indigenous knowledge, community priorities, and scientific research guide its work. If you want to understand what NTBG is, what it operates, and how to engage with it, this overview covers the essentials.

What NTBG does

NTBG's stated mission is to preserve tropical plant diversity and slow the loss of species. Its work is organized around a biocultural approach — one that treats plants, people, and places as connected rather than separate concerns. In practice, that means conservation and research decisions are shaped by Indigenous knowledge and community priorities alongside science.

The organization describes its broader aim as restoring flourishing relationships between plants, people, and places.

The five gardens

NTBG operates five botanical gardens and preserves:

Each site has its own character. The Kampong, for example, was once the home of Dr. Eleanor Galt Simmons, Miami-Dade County's first female doctor, long before it became a tropical garden.

Research, science, and collections

Beyond the gardens themselves, NTBG maintains research tools and programs that support its conservation mission:

• Tropical Plant Database — a reference resource on tropical plants
• Herbarium Search — access to preserved plant specimens
• Library — supporting botanical research
• Living Collections — the plants growing across its gardens
• Seed X-ray machine — a recent addition that lets staff see inside a seed without opening it, supporting seed science and conservation

NTBG also publishes educational material. One example is Common Mosses of the Hawaiian Islands, a concise 100-page pocket guide introducing readers to Hawaiʻi's common mosses.

The Breadfruit Institute

One of NTBG's signature programs is the Breadfruit Institute, which works to promote the conservation, study, and use of breadfruit for food and reforestation. It is a distinct focus area within the organization and has its own section on the NTBG website.

How to visit or get involved

NTBG offers several ways to engage:

• Visit — tours are available at the gardens; the site provides a "Book a Tour" option and a garden browser
• Become a member — membership supports NTBG's work, and options include joining, renewing, or giving a membership as a gift
• Donate — direct financial support
• Volunteer — listed among the ways to be involved
• Job opportunities — current openings are posted by the organization
• Newsletter — subscribe for updates

Contact and organizational details

• Phone: (808) 332-7324
• Administration email: [email protected]
• Federal Tax ID: 52-6057064
• Status: 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization

NTBG also maintains a press and media contact channel and publishes stories, events, and science updates through its website.

Current note

NTBG has posted a recovery and disaster relief update related to Hurricane Lowell affecting Kauaʻi Garden. If you are planning a visit or coordinating with the organization, check the site for the latest status before making arrangements.