Key plants in the Burma Skincare Initiative Spirit of Partnership Garden

Known as the snakebark maple, this Burmese native tree has striking snakeskin-like bark. It has been selected as its bark is reminiscent of some of the skin diseases affecting people supported by the Burma Skincare Initiative.
(pictured: Acer davidii Viper (‘Mindavi’).

Known as ‘Waterlily’ in the UK and ‘Kya’ in Burma, it is found in many British gardens and parks and in many ponds and lakes in Burma. It is revered for its beauty across the world – emerging from the muddy depths to burst into full bloom creating a spectacular display.

Mentha aquatica – or water mint – can be used as an edible herb and to make herbal tea. It likes to grow in shallow waters and is loved by a range of pollinators including butterflies, bees and hoverflies.

A cultivar of the Burmese native Athyrium niponicum, this is one of several species of fern used in the garden. It adds to the layers of texture and the red tinged leaves pick up on the reclaimed brick of the stupa.

White mulberry originated in China but has been introduced across the world including to the UK and Myanmar. It is widely cultivated to feed silkworms for the commercial production of silk. It is notable for the rapid release of its pollen which is launched at greater than half the speed of sound. Its berries are edible when ripe.