- Birthplace of the Asian Rubber Industry: The garden is the site where the first Brazilian rubber tree seedlings were planted in all of Asia in 1876. This marked the beginning of the rubber industry in the region.
- A National Monument: The remnants of the original, pioneering rubber trees are preserved and protected within the garden as a national monument.
- Pioneering British Research Hub: It was established by the British for conducting experiments on lucrative industrial plants. It was chosen as the location for rubber trials after similar efforts failed in India.
- Diverse Plant Collection: The garden is home to over 2,000 plant species from around the tropical world. This includes a variety of sections such as a palm garden, an orchid garden, and a Japanese garden.
- Rich in History and Heritage: The garden’s historical significance extends beyond its plants. The old Henarathgoda Railway Station, an archaeological site within the premises, was built to serve foreign scientists who traveled there for botanical research.