There are tropical plants in this house from all over the world including Africa, the Indian Ocean islands, Madagascar, the Americals, Asia and Australasia. Look at the size of some of those leaves.

The tallest palms, that need the most room, are located beneath the central dome. These include the peach palm (Bactris gasipaes), babassu (Attalea speciosa), queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera).

Outside, on the south-east side of the Palm House, is this row of heraldic animals facing the ornamental lake. They were designed by James Woodford for the Queen's coronation in 1953 and later donated to Kew Gardens.

These are, I believe, also known as the Queen's Beasts and there are topiary equivalents in the gardens of Hill House, Bexley

A view across the Palm House Pond showing the purpose built museum which currently houses the 'Plants and People Exhibition'.

The fountain was added to the Palm House Pond in 1853 and depicts Hercules wrestling the serpent river-god, Achelous.