Beyond the natural limit of vegetation, at an elevation of 2117 meters above sea level, there is a alpine botanical garden located at the western end of Campo Imperatore, close to the astronomical observatory and a short distance from the arrival of the Gran Sasso cable car. The “Vincenzo Rivera” Botanical Garden, owned by theUniversity of L’Aquila, has reopened its doors to the public after renovations were completed.
Founded in 1952 by Professor Rivera, professor of botany at the University of Rome, to cultivate and study the most important floristic varieties of the Gran Sasso d′ Italia mountain range and occupying an area of 3500 square meters, it has been recognized as being of regional interest by the Abruzzo Region. Within it are about 300 native plant species, many of them rare and vulnerable, as well as numerous endemics and glacial reptiles; plants are grown in systematic order, each plant is cataloged and illustrated by a card in which its scientific name, family, Italian name, and news about its natural environment and distribution are given. Thus, plants from the altitudinal habitats of the central Apennines that live beyond the tree line in a very selective environment due to very low temperatures, often violent winds, strong sunlight and prolonged snow cover are cultivated, which is why the growing season is very short’ less than four months per year on average. As a result, its enjoyment is also only available for a short period due to severe weather conditions. The garden space also hosts seminars for students and faculty, symposia and conferences having as their theme biodiversity, with a focus on high-altitude flora, vegetation and fauna.
Since its establishment, it has made a significant contribution to knowledge about the Apennine mountain and alpine flora, especially of the Gran Sasso, and has been an immediate destination for many Italian and foreign scholars. Its location makes it the highest garden in the Apennines and the second highest in Europe, after the Mont Blanc Alpine Botanical Garden (established in 1984). It also has a museum section, a research center and a specialized library within the L’Aquila University campus.
Thanks to the Vincenzo Rivera Botanical Garden facebook page for photos.
