The Department of Botany had its origin which dates back to 1964, teaching Botany to the PUC Students and later ancillary Botany to B.Sc students. Prof Maxwell Johnson was in charge of the department. It was under his supervision that the present Botany Garden's layout was made and the different rounds, guard range and paths were established. The two Ravenellas and two magnificient Cycas plants planted by him still proclaim his name.
Botany Major was introduced in the year 1971. Prof.C.David Thampi Dhas was appointed, the HoD of Botany. Men Students alone were admitted first, as co-education was introduced later. The sanctioned student strength was 30. Prof. C. Thampi Dhas developed the garden by planting Bottle Palms (Oreodoxa regia) Flame of the Forests (Butea frondosa) one Sterculia foetida and some Orchids.