Bengaluru, Aug 1 (IANS): The Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAB) has acquired centuries-old exotic Mediterranean flora to embark on a beautification journey with such trees, an official said on Saturday.

"In keeping with Bengaluru's image as the Garden City of India, Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) is working to reflect this image at the airport by creating world-class landscapes," added the official.

As many as 160 trees and plants have been brought from Spain and Italy, including varieties such as dragon trees and cupressus.

Reaching the airport after a 10-day voyage from Europe and via road from Mumbai, some of the dragon trees are said to be between 80 and 400 years old.

Dragon trees are native to Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira and West Morocco.

The exotic flora arrived safely in temperature- controlled containers.

"All the plants and trees will be kept in a greenhouse for 10 weeks to acclimatize them to the local weather and soil conditions, before they are moved to their respective locations," said the official.

The official told IANS that the plants have been chosen carefully, based on the agro-climatic zone to ensure that they thrive in local weather conditions.

"Given the climatic conditions of Bengaluru and with the good care they will receive at the airport, they should do very well here," he added.

According to the official, the imported trees will ensure that the airport landscape helps build the biodiversity and sustainability of the garden-themed Terminal 2.

The official declined to reveal how much it cost to buy and bring the exotic trees to the airport.