The Phipps conservatory is an Oakland landmark well-known nationally for its collection of exotic tropical plants in an aesthetically laid out greenhouse. No wonder it is a popular spot for weddings.

A team of Phipps’ staff and volunteers led by its Tropical Forest Curator Ben Dunigan and Horticulturist Jordyn Melino is gearing up for Tropical Forest India, a 3-year long — February 2012 to February 2015 — exhibition of live species from India’s diverse tropical forest along the Western Ghats stretching from Gujarat all the way to the southern tip of Kanyakumari along the Arabian sea coast.

Nearly 800,000 visitors are expected to come to the exhibition. In addition to live exhibits including medicinal plants, we are also likely to have multimedia presentations on the area’s flora, fauna, temples, and peoples. More details will be forthcoming in coming months. Visit www.phipps.conservatory.org for additional details.

      — Kollengode S. Venkataraman