Succulents

Succulents are all plants that store water in their stems, leaves or other organs. This enables them to survive long dry, hot periods and the resulting lack of water. The best-known succulents are probably cacti, which are almost exclusively native to the New World. However, plants from other families y groups from Africa, Asia or Europe also have a high capacity to store water, for example the spurge family, the stonecrop family or the vine family.

Around 150 species from the succulent collection can be seen outdoors from the beginning of May to the end of September. According to their geographical distribution, they are grouped in separate areas by species of the ‘Old World’ (spurges, aloes, etc.) and the ‘New World’ (mainly cacti). Representatives of the flora of South Africa and Madagascar are also exhibited in a small group.

In winter, almost all the plants are moved to the succulent house, which is not accessible. Then only a few stone cacti by Burgenland-based artist Anna Schalk remind us of the variety on display here in summer.