Botanic Garden of the Jozsef Attila University

The Botanic Garden of the Jozsef Attila University was founded by Professor Istvan Gyoffy in 1922 on 25 acres of land. Since then it has expanded to 40 acres. The garden is situated near the river Tisza, in the southeastern part of Szeged, in the area of the lowest altitude within Hungary (79 meter above the sea level.)

At the time of the founding of the garden, the main aim was to provide the living plant material for use in teaching botany at the university. Most species were planted according to their taxonomic groups or their practical use, e.g. medicinal herbs, nutritional plants, industrial plants, etc.

In our greenhouses you'll find some economically important tropical plants (coffee, cocoa, vanilla, pepper, papaya, etc. ), popular ornamentals (Strelitzia, Ficus spp., orchids, ferns), other plants of the tropical rain forests, those of the Mediterranean area, the savannas and even desert areas.

Twentyfive years ago, the Garden began incorporating the 18 main types of forest of Hungary. Each of these includes the most characteristic trees and shrubs as well as some of the herbaceous species.

As part of the ex situ gene preservation program, populations of the protected and endangered species of Hungary have also received shelter during recent years. One of the research areas being carried out at the Botanic Garden, in association with the Department of Botany, aims to elucidate the reproductive strategies of these populations.

The Botanic Garden is also a frequently visited place of relaxation for plant lovers where they enjoy the rose garden, the rock garden and the diverse collection of evergreen plants. The population of Nelumbo nucifera (the pink sacred lotus) found in the lake near the main path and the Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dawn redwoods) found right at the main entrance, attract an ever increasing number of experts and plant lovers as well.

Contacting the garden:

Department of Botany and Botanic Garden of Jozsef Attila University
6726 Szeged, Lovolde u. 42.
Postal address:
H-6701 Szeged
P.O. Box: 657
Hungary
Phone/fax: 36 62 454 236
E-mail: mihalik@bio.u-szeged.hu

-- Mihalik Erzsebet, Director of the Botanic Garden

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