[2] The current head of the Botanical Garden is the landscape architect Teresa Andresen [pt], a descendant of the former owners of the estate, with Professors Arnaldo Rozeira, Roberto Salema and Barreto Caldas da Costa preceding her.

It includes an estimated 120,000 specimens of vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens, fungi, and algae, as well as historical botanical documents, illustrations, and maps.

[4][2] One of the most notable architectural changes was the addition of a reinforced concrete balcony and staircase on the south façade of the main house, a project designed by engineer António da Silva, who was also responsible for the construction of several palaces for Porto’s bourgeoisie.

The camellia hedges that enclose these gardens were sourced from Alfredo Moreira da Silva, a prominent horticulturist and nurseryman from Porto.

During a University Senate meeting on August 9, 1937, Américo Pires de Lima [pt], then head of the Faculty, proposed the acquisition of the Quinta do Campo Alegre estate to establish a botanical garden, an astronomical observatory, and a sports field.

Despite the approval from the government, the purchase faced delays and complications, partly due to urban development plans, including the construction of access routes to the Arrábida Bridge.

[4] Nevertheless, persistent advocacy from the Faculty of Sciences emphasized the importance of acquiring the estate not only for educational purposes but also for providing university students with much-needed recreational facilities.

In 1944, Rector António José Adriano Rodrigues formally communicated to the Mayor of Porto the numerous benefits of the estate acquisition.

[4] Finally, in 1949, the Portuguese government purchased the estate, which had been on the market since 1937,[3] and by January 7, 1950, the General Directorate of the Treasury authorized its assignment to the University of Porto.

[5] In 2008, the Department of Botany was relocated, and the Casa Andresen was remodeled by architect Nuno Valentim to host the exhibition "The Evolution of Darwin," marking the centenary celebrations of the University of Porto.