The University of South Florida Botanical Gardens in Tampa spans 15 acres, combining developed gardens with preserved greenbelt habitat. Established in 1969 for the university’s Biology Department, it grew over the following decades as new plantings, habitat areas, structures, and demonstration gardens were added. The collection now includes more than 3,000 plant taxa, from orchids and palms to carnivorous plants and succulents, alongside wetland, forest, and scrub landscapes. Used for academic research, including medicinal herb studies, it also supports native wildlife and serves the public through festivals, plant sales, workshops, and other educational programs.