The Botanical Garden of the University of Szeged (SZTE) is inviting visitors to explore its vibrant collection of tropical orchids through thematic guided tours on Saturday, 10 February, and again on 22 February. The garden’s orchid house, home to a diverse array of species and hybrids, is currently in full bloom, offering a spectacular display of exotic flowers.
Orchids, known for their striking beauty and unique biology, thrive in the temperate climate of the garden’s greenhouses during the autumn and winter months. The SZTE Botanical Garden’s collection features over 250 individual plants from nearly 50 genera, including both botanical species and hybrids. This February nearly 100 orchid plants are flowering simultaneously, creating a breathtaking sight for visitors.
Those interested in learning more about these fascinating plants can join the guided tours, which require prior registration. The tours provide an in-depth look at the garden’s orchid collection, highlighting their diverse forms, specialized reproductive biology, and unique lifestyles.
Orchids, or Orchidaceae, are one of the largest and most diverse plant families, with an estimated 30,000 naturally occurring species and around 150,000 hybrid varieties. Found on every continent except deserts and glaciers, these plants exhibit remarkable adaptability. In the Carpathian Basin alone, more than 50 native species grow, all of which are terrestrial.
The tropical orchids at the SZTE Botanical Garden primarily include epiphytic species, which grow on trees, as well as terrestrial varieties like the strikingly exotic Paphiopedilums, commonly known as slipper orchids. Among the cooler-climate orchids, the boat orchids (Cymbidiums), native to Southeast Asia, are beginning to bloom, admired for their long-lasting flowers.
For those unable to attend the thematic tours, the orchid collection will be open to the public on Saturdays from 10am to 3pm starting in March. Additionally, from May, when the garden plans to open its tropical butterfly house, the orchid collection will be accessible continuously, offering visitors a chance to enjoy these floral wonders throughout the year.
The Botanical Garden’s orchid exhibition not only highlight the beauty and diversity of these plants but also provide an educational experience for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Whether one is a seasoned botanist or simply appreciates the allure of exotic blooms, the garden’s orchid displays are not to be missed.
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