Almaty Botanical Garden is located in the largest city of Kazakhstan, at the foot of the Tien Shan. Under the auspices of the Institute of Botany, it carries an important educational and research mission. Thousands of nature lovers annually attract a favorite vacation spot of citizens.
Description
The Almaty Botanical Garden, whose photo strikes with an abundance of rare plants, has existed since 1932. Located in the foothills at altitudes of 850-900 meters, it is an excellent testing ground for flora, characteristic of various ecosystems of the Earth.
After the collapse of the USSR, the garden experienced a period of decline. Its area in the 90s decreased from 108 to 103.6 hectares due to the withdrawal of part of the territory for elite buildings. Today the Almaty Botanical Garden is protected by the state.
The territory has thematic zones:
- Kazakhstan.
- East Asia.
- Europe, Caucasus, Crimea.
- Siberia, the Far East.
- North America.
- The site "Koniferetum".
- Site "Syringary".
- Plot "Hazel".
Outdoor flower collections
Almaty Botanical Garden has a rich collection of open ground plants. Shade-tolerant perennials (over 150 taxa), belonging to 65 genera and 22 families, grow here. Varietal diversity is significant: 6 varieties of heicher, 25 varieties of astilbe, 3 varieties of periwinkle small and others. 14 species of ornamental-deciduous plants, 4 species of hellebore, 3 species of goryanka, frankincense, Zelenchuk, variegated form of dreams and others were introduced.
Ground cover plants recite 25 species. There are well-known species: a small periwinkle , a tenacious creeper , an awl- shaped phlox . Rare species are represented by bells, saxifrages, the New Zealand acene and others. The collection of photophilous perennials - asters, geleniums, lupins, irises, daylilies, phloxes - total 50 species.
Collections of flower ornamental plants in closed ground
The botanical garden of Almaty has been developing this collection since the 40s. The main appearance of the main greenhouse-greenhouse groups acquired in the late 60s, after the construction of the stock greenhouse.
Now the fund has about 600 species, representing 370 genera and 75 families. Greenhouse collection plants are grouped according to the principle of ecological-morphological similarity, occupying five expositions:
- Palmarium.
- Succulents.
- Subtropical plants.
- Tropical.
- Moisture and water.
Families of the Bromeliad family (54 species), Rutovye, Cactusov, Malva, Aroid, Palm, Mulberry and Orchid families are most diverse.
Especially popular is the Aroid collection of 18 species. This family is distinguished by the beauty of inflorescences (calla) and decorative foliage (scindapsus, philodendron, monstera). New types of callas surprise visitors with the bizarre coloring of bedspreads in red and yellow.
Among the plants that replenished the collection in the 2000s, there are:
- The Basell family is Malabar spinach (white basella).
- The Mimozov family - bashful mimosa, yellow neptunia.
- The Cesalpin family is Indian tamarind.
Collection of medicinal plants
Initially founded in the late 50s, it acquired a modern look in 1981. In the last years of the USSR, medicinal plantings totaled 300 species, however, the uncertain status of the botanical garden at the dawn of the formation of Kazakhstan led to a reduction in floristic diversity to 130 species. Today, funding for the park has increased, this has diversified the collection.
Rock Garden Collection Fund
There is a collection since 1986. Since the early 2000s, it has been reconstructed and substantially expanded. Today the garden has 230 species of alpine flora:
- Herb plants represent 188 species belonging to 86 genera.
- Tree-shrub plantings account for 42 species belonging to 21 genera.
30 species growing on display are especially rare.
Almaty Botanical Garden: reviews
The garden is a kind of oasis of greenery, surrounded by city blocks. Visitors note the peace, sincerity, silence of this place. There are especially many coniferous trees in the park, filling the air with healing phytoncides. For walks, paved walkways are equipped, benches and gazebos are installed. A variety of bridges look picturesque. Forest territory was chosen by squirrels and birds.
Among the minuses, visitors note the untidiness of the Almaty Botanical Garden, the lack of recreation areas, benches. The greenhouse needs reconstruction and updating of the species stock. Increased funding and conservation status should contribute to the revival of the main botanical garden of Kazakhstan.
Almaty Botanical Garden: opening hours
The garden is located on 36 Timiryazev Street. Admission is paid, about 350 tenge (children's ticket - 100 tenge). It is possible to order an excursion program. Excursions to the greenhouse are made after prior appointment. Opening hours: from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.