Orchids

The Botanical Garden has a unique orchid collection that enjoys international recognition. The focus of the collection is on tree-dwelling (epiphytic) orchids of the tropics. The plants anchor themselves in the tree bark with aerial roots. Their spongy root epidermis absorbs water and nutrients particularly efficiently. Many epiphytes species also have thickened organs for water storage.

With around 3,200 plants of 700 species (approx. 2,200 species in total), the Botanical Garden's Bulbophyllum collection is one of the most important in the world. In addition to Bulbophyllum, many species from the genera Polystachya and Epidendrum are also represented in the Garden's orchid collection. The collection of around 20 different climbing species of the genus Vanilla is also worth mentioning. In addition to the spice vanilla, there are many other vanilla species, many of which produce stunningly beautiful flowers.