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This Botanical Garden covers an area of 3.5 acres, at about 4.430 feet above sea level, on the very slopes of Mount Reit, inside the Stelvio National Park.

The construction work began in 1979, leading to the public opening in 1982. Due to the limestone and rocky terrain, some extra work was needed to encourage the dwelling of the plants.

The purpose of the Garden is to preserve the species of the Lombardia Region threatened of extinction caused by human destructive actions. An example is that of Caltha palustris, at the artificial lake of Fraele.

When the garden is open, several important activities take place, including the collection of mountain species in the Stelvio National Park (to refurbish the garden), some transplants to flower beds, the seed exchange and cleaning, as well flower bed maintenance, pruning, and guided tours for the visitors.

BOTANICAL COLLECTIONS

Four different sections were created in the garden, according to the different use or specif features of the plants. Therefore, visitors can find:

– Flora of the Stelvio National Park: which includes species from each specific environment (grass from dry, humid, stony, siliceous and calcareous area, as well as mountain and sub-alpine environments);

– Phytogeographic Collections: the most representative species of the other Alpine areas, and of the main European and extra-European mountains, grouped according to their geographical distribution;

– Systematic Collections: genera like Leontopodium, Dianthus, Gentiana, Potentilla, and Saxifraga;

– Arboretum: plants of the Stelvio National Park, and European and non-European species.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)