Geographic location

The Royal Botanic Garden is situated on one of the hills of the village of Tel al-Rumman, which administratively falls under the Ain al-Basha district in the Balqa Governorate within the central region of the kingdom. The site covers an area of 1,800 dunams of forested land and has varying elevations ranging from 180 to 500 meters above sea level. The location overlooks the Jerash Mountains and has views of the King Talal Dam's edges.

This area has been blessed with a moderate climate and is characterized by its greenery and clean air, making it a destination for those seeking recreation and relaxation away from the noise of the city. The site hosts a variety of unique and endangered plants and herbs (flora).

How to Reach the Royal Botanic Garden site?

  • The site is conveniently located close to several governorates, being 25 km north of the capital, Amman, and approximately 17 kilometers from Jerash.

  • It is situated in the largest population concentration in the kingdom, administratively located in the Balqa Governorate, surrounded by several villages including Jalaad to the south, Al-Mastabah to the east, King Talal Dam to the north, and Soumya to the west.

  • This distinctive location makes it easy to access for those coming from Amman, Balqa, Jerash, or any other governorates.
  • Visitors can reach the site from the road connecting the cities of Amman and Jerash via the junction leading to the village of Tel al-Rumman.

 

Site Selection Method:

The selection of the location for the Royal Botanic Garden at Tel al-Rumman was not random; the following mechanism was used to choose the site:

  • After researching various locations across the kingdom, eleven sites were proposed for the establishment of the garden (including the current site).
  • Dr. Peter Wyse Jackson (an Irish botany professor and President of the Missouri Botanical Garden) collaborated with local specialists to provide a study that identified criteria to fulfill the vision formulated for this distinguished national project. A detailed assessment was constructed based on these criteria.
  • Subsequently, experts evaluated each of the eleven proposed sites to assess how well they met these criteria and their suitability for establishing a botanical garden. Comprehensive detailed studies were prepared for each site.
  • The current site of the garden met 14 out of 15 criteria, and it was selected accordingly.
  • Based on the above, the Royal Botanic Garden was officially inaugurated under royal patronage on March 21, 2005.

 

Al Hussein International Hill Climb Race :

The village of Tel al-Rumman hosts this race annually, organized and supervised by the Jordanian Motor Sports Association. This race is one of the oldest and most important in the Middle East, and royal participation has recurred since its launch by the late King Hussein bin Talal, God rest his soul, in 1953.

The track for this race is located within the grounds of the Royal Botanic Garden in the eastern part of the site, with a course length of approximately 3 km. This race has contributed to increasing public visits to the site and has promoted it both locally and internationally.

 

Access map to the Garden's location

 

The prevailing climate:

The garden is located in a Mediterranean climatic bioregion, which makes the climate of the area semi-humid to semi-arid and can be described as typically "Mediterranean" in nature. The annual average rainfall is about 300-350 mm, and precipitation occurs irregularly from October to March.

 

The geological formation of the site:

The site consists of, Kornab Sandstone, in the central highlands, with fringes of Maghnia Marly limestone in the lower parts adjacent to the dam pool, with limited areas of Naour limestone found in the highlands.

 

Environmental diversity at the site:

The significant diversity in terms of topography and local environments allows for the growth of a large number of native plants belonging to various plant habitats. Consequently, there are multiple species of living organisms inhabiting these environments, in addition to migratory waterfowl that visit the dam during migration season, which adds a unique ecological importance to the site.