Programs

Alpine Plants

The University of Innsbruck's Botanical Garden has a rich history in the cultivation of alpine plants, dating back to the work of Anton Kerner von Marilaun. The Alpinum section is dedicated to showcasing plants from high-altitude regions worldwide. Unlike a traditional rock garden, the Alpinum is organized geographically and geologically, featuring plants from major mountain ranges such as the Rocky Mountains, European mountains, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The garden covers an area of over 2000m², offering a diverse collection of alpine flora arranged according to scientific principles. In addition to the outdoor Alpinum, the university also cultivates rare and sensitive mountain plants in specialized facilities. An alpine house provides a controlled environment with stable temperatures and specialized drainage to help plants from mountainous regions adapt to the lower altitude climate of Innsbruck. A sand bed, equipped with a roof and highly permeable soil, is used for plants that are hardy to temperature fluctuations but sensitive to excessive moisture, particularly during winter. These facilities allow for the preservation and study of a wide range of alpine species.