Rare Fruit Trail at Palma Sola Botanical Park

In a northwest pocket of Bradenton, one park’s special conditions make it an ideal environment for dozens of species of rare fruits, trees, and other flowering plants to thrive. Located in the Old Palma Sola neighborhood, near the opening of Tampa Bay, Palma Sola Botanical Park has a warm, protected microclimate that’s virtually frost-free. 

Along the park’s Rare Fruit Trail, visitors can discover a wild world of plants, from dragon fruit, plums, figs, guava, and star fruit to four different varieties of lychee, lime, fragrant ylang ylang trees, and lots more, all growing under the focused care of the Manatee Rare Fruit Council. Rare palm trees and other subtropical plants also thrive here.

The park itself opened in 1990, after locals rallied together to save the 10-acre plot, once home to the county nursery. Several other sections are also worth a visit, including a tropical house with exotic plants, butterfly garden, herb garden, and a maze for kids. In 2000, the park added the Galleria, a space used today for weddings, special events, and educational courses offered on topics like gardening techniques, plant identification, and conservation.

Every March, the council hosts a fundraiser rare fruit tree sale that helps its efforts to sustain the garden.