Discover a collection of old fruit tree varieties at the Hirschstetten Botanical Gardens, featuring names like 'Maschanska' and 'Kronprinz Rudolf'. This garden contributes to preserving Austria's diverse fruit heritage and serves as a vital habitat for local fauna.
Located on the eastern edge of the Hirschstetten Botanical Gardens, the Obstgarten (Orchard) showcases rare and old fruit tree varieties with unique names, such as 'Maschanska', 'Breitarschapfel', 'Kronprinz Rudolf', and 'Lavanthaler Banane'. This collection aims to counteract the observed decline in Austria's rich species diversity of native fruit sorts, many of which are now endangered. The Blumengärten Hirschstetten seeks to reintroduce the public, especially children, to the original richness of native fruit tree species, actively contributing to the preservation of biodiversity for flora and fauna in Austria. The garden houses approximately 70 different old fruit tree species, including apples, pears, cherries, peaches, and quinces, alongside various wild fruit shrubs like cornelian cherry and elderberry. This initiative by the City of Vienna is crucial for maintaining a diverse gene pool of cultural plants. The garden also provides an important living space for insects, birds, and small mammals. The genetic diversity within these old varieties, offering traits like frost hardiness, high yield, or disease resistance, is vital for future breeding purposes, especially in the face of climate change and new plant diseases.
