From the footpath the route follows North Park Boad, passing the delightful bank of heathers and conifers in front of the Engineering Building and on to the Banana tree (Musa basjoo) outside the entrance to the Mathematics and Geology Building. Next comes the small pond dominated by the rhubarb-like Gunnera chilensis (Gunnera was named in honour of J. E. Gunnerus, a Norwegian bishop and botanist; the species chilensis is native to Chile and was introduced into England in 1849).
The route then continues in the direction of the Northcott Theatre, across Stocker Road and up the hill towards the junction with The Queen's Drive. Pausing here one should look for the Newman Building across the road to the right and which is fronted by palm trees (Trachycarpus fortunei, introduced by Robert Fortune from China in 1849) which can survive in the generally moderate climate of the South West.
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The heather bank below the Harrison Building (Engineering) required more than 7,000 plants in its creation. |
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The view shows the Amory building in the foreground, the New Library and the Great Hall of the University with the Northcote House clock tower in the distance. |
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Albizia julibrissin a native to an area extending from Persia to China, it was introduced into England about 1745. The photograph was taken during September at the higher end of Rennes Drive. |
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A form of Opuntia humifusa, ‘The Prickly Pear’ cactus from the eastern U.S.A. The flowers have sensitive stamens. This photograph was taken during August at the Laver Building. |