Collection of orchids

The collection of the orchids was established by prof. J. Dušek and prof. J. Křístek (lecturers of our University) in 1967. Presently, Mrs. J. Matoušková takes care about collection. Now, they are about 4000 taxons of tropical orchids, mainly from the Middle and Southern America, South East Asia. We also have some species from Madagascar and Australia. The collection is situated in three greenhouses (about 800 sq. m) in the botanical garden. We are specialized on collecting of botanical species of the genus Paphiopedilum and Dendrobium. We are also interested in botanical species of all tropical orchids.

The main part of the collection are plats grown from seeds propagated in our orchid laboratory, which is a part of the greenhouses.

Our laboratory propagates orchids using in vitro culture method since 1970. We propagate mainly botanical species of orchids for our collection usage and for teaching purposes. In the orchid laboratory students of our university can learn, how to propagate orchids using in vitro culture from seeds and also from tissue culture.

The important part of our collection is rich genetic bank of comercially interesting hybrids (Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, Laelia, Paphiopedilum). It is used for teaching of principles of crossing and transmission of the genetic characteristics of the taxons.

The collection is mainly used by students and lecturers of our University for studying purposes. The students of gardening can also use it's facilities for experimental work on their diploma thesis or PhD projects. Other visitors can see the orchids only during the exhibitions in botanical garden (about three times in a year). We are preparing also other events, like symposiums, practical trainings and consultancy.