In the current exhibition, which is being shown in cooperation with the Cactus Gymno Team International association in the exhibition hall of the Botanical Garden, a small sensation has emerged, reports director Thomas Schiefecker.
In the special exhibition “Cacti and Carnations of South America – Discoveries by Important Field Researchers”, particularly rare and newly discovered plants from South America are presented in landscapes that are modeled on their Latin American habitats.
These plants, which come from Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina and Bolivia, are being presented to the general public for the first time. Among them is the newly discovered species Gymnocalycium saladense, which – and here comes the small sensation – has started to flower. Anyone who wants to see the flowers has to be quick, advises Schiefecker, because this species usually only flowers for a few days. Regardless of the short flowering period, the special exhibition will remain open until October 6th.
Around 1000 species of cacti
With its collection of around 1,000 cactus species, the Linz Botanical Garden is the largest botanical garden in Europe housing cacti following Zurich and Monaco. In addition to protecting plant species and their habitats, its main tasks include preserving biological diversity. With this in mind, plant collections from different parts of the world have been created. The seeds obtained through our own breeding are also made available to other gardens around the world as part of the international seed exchange.
