The dome, designed by Norman Foster and Partners is the largest single span glasshouse in the world and consists of 785 panes of glass.
Kathryn Gustaffson designed the 3,500 square metres area that houses the plants.
The plants housed here are found in areas of the world with a Mediterranean type climate. These are grouped in areas representing California, Australia, the Canary Islands, Chile, South Africa, the Mediterranean Basin itself.
The desired levels of temperature, humidity and air movement are achieved by a computer controlled system that monitors the internal and external conditions and controls the heating and ventilation panels in the roof.
See other images of The Great Glasshouse, National Botanic Garden of Wales