When that three-hour boat tour goes horribly wrong on your island vacation in paradise, a plant might just save your life. Many a famous castaway has survived an unexpectedly long stay on a deserted island by lashing palm fronds together to build shelter, harvesting rainwater from the stems of a traveller’s palm, fashioning a snare from a vine and more.

In a new exhibition at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park, visitors “wash up” on an uncharted tropical shore to learn the ins and outs of island survival. Strolling through a living jungle of life-saving plants, they discover the best sources of building materials, food and water and see examples of basic structures and tools. Fun survival facts fill the gallery, including tips for climbing coconut trees and more.

WHAT:            
Stranded! Tropical Island Survival  – a special exhibition highlighting the uses of tropical plants for survival

WHEN:            
May 8 – October 18, 2015. Closed Mondays. 

TIME:            
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays – Sundays

WHERE:                        
Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

TICKETS:            
San Francisco Residents: $5 general; $3 youth 12-17, seniors and students with ID; $1.50 children 5-11; children 4 and under FREE
Non-residents: $8 general, $5 youth 12-17, seniors and students with ID; $2 children 5-11; children 4 and under FREE

INFORMATION:            
www.conservatoryofflowers.org, 415-831-2090