The department was established in 1952 and housed in a bungalow. First head of the department was Dr. B. B. Mundkur (1952), Prof. T. S. Mahabale(1953), Prof. M. S.Balakrishnan (1971-1978), Prof. S. B. David (1978-1984). Prof. S. D. Patil (1984-1986), Prof. N. C. Subrahmanyam (1986-1987), Prof. D. G. Varadpande (1987), Prof. N.V. Biradar (1987-1991), Prof. S. B. Chaphekar (1991-1995), Prof. S. P. Modak (1995-1997), Prof. S. Y. Kamble (1997-2000) and Prof. M. G. Shitole (present HOD, 2000onwards) lead the department. Since then under his able guidance and leadership the department started an all-round development. The present building accommodated. a spacious well-planned, which accomodates museum, herbarium, paleobotany workshop, photography unit, M.Sc general laboratories, 8 laboratories for special papers and research laboratory for Algae, Plant Physiology, Plant Biotechnology, Mycology, Pharmacognosy, Plant Ecology, Angiosperm taxonomy and cytogenetics & Plant Breeding.

A museum of live plants- the Botanical garden consists of plants from various places both from India and abroad. Glass houses, namely Fern House and Palm House where special plant species are maintained. Poly houses, Shed nets and wel planned irrigation facility is created.

The botanical garden is recognised as International Botanical Garden.The museum is a facility for public education. The frequent visitors include public at large in general and students, researchers, NGOs in particular.