Etnobotanic garden | Aras de los Olmos, Spain

Jardín Etnobotánico, Ayuntamiento de Aras de los Olmos

The Ethnobotanical Garden of Aras de los Olmos, located in the Valencian region of Spain, is a community-led project dedicated to preserving and showcasing native plants traditionally used in local food, medicine, and daily life. Developed in collaboration with the Botanical Garden of the University of Valencia, the garden also serves as a research space for studying rare and endangered species, contributing to the conservation of regional biodiversity. Uniquely set within the grounds of the town’s former cemetery—no longer in use since 1955—the garden retains its original whitewashed walls and two ancient cypress trees, offering a serene and reflective atmosphere. It is part of the town’s Ecomuseum, an initiative that aims to recover and celebrate the cultural and natural heritage of the area through the active involvement of its residents. Visitors are invited to explore this meaningful space and learn about the deep-rooted relationship between people and plants in rural Mediterranean life.