7 surprising things about the Princess of Wales Conservatory

The glasshouse is enormous. It spans 4,500 square metres. 10 computer-controlled climatic zones adjust the heat, ventilation and humidity. We scientifically recreate cool deserts, tropical rainforests and a few other environments here and study them carefully.

Our conservatory hosts a variety of plants. One of the biggest is the giant waterlily (Victoria amazonica) whose leaves can reach a diameter of 3 metres. Beetles pollinate the flowers in the wild. At Kew, we hand-pollinate the flowers each summer. 

Part of our job is to understand biodiversity better. The Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is a feisty, flesh-eating plant with leaves like teeth. It traps and eats unsuspecting insects and spiders. 
This fascinating plant is listed as vulnerable in the wild by IUCN.

Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum) is native to Sumatra. It attracts pollinators with a rotting flesh smell. Our scientists believe that sulphur-containing compounds cause that stink. It is endangered in the wild and unlocking secrets about this unique plant is crucial.