Ostrava Zoo Unveils Tropical Greenhouses Every Weekend
In the greenhouses of Ostrava, you will find many fruits that you likely recognize from grocery stores, such as avocado, banana, and mango. Besides these well-known tropical fruits, the location also showcases a variety of less common medicinal herbs from South America as well as East Asia. The selection of plants keeps growing, making the informative greenhouse tours even more engaging.
Among the unique exotic plants featured in the collections at the Ostrava Zoo is the calissia fragrant (Callisia fragrans). This tropical plant grows quickly and robustly, thriving in warm and humid conditions. It originates from Central and South America, as well as the Pacific and Australian regions. In our climate, it can be grown indoors as a houseplant and can survive temperatures as low as 12 °C. During the summer, it can be placed in a garden area with partial shade or in a planter on your balcony. It’s quite simple to propagate and root this plant. It is known for having a broad range of healing properties that can assist with nearly all types of ailments, and with strong effectiveness. Noteworthy is its potential use in treatments for multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and Crohn’s disease.
On the other hand, the Chinese angelica (Belamcanda chinensis), which is originally from East Asia, has its own specific health benefits. The rhizome is utilized for treating endocrine disorders (like issues related to gonads), rheumatism, bloating, and constipation. Additionally, due to its diuretic properties, it is beneficial for kidney and urinary tract ailments. This plant requires a sunny spot with nutrient-rich, moist soil that is well-drained and neutral in pH. It does not tolerate waterlogging or severe frost, so it needs to be properly protected during the winter months.
Visitors can explore the Ostrava tropics every weekend, until the end of October 2025. Guided tours are exclusively available at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.. The gathering point is always at the flamingo enclosure, which is located near the zoo’s entrance. A guide will meet the group there. The tours are included in the ticket price for the zoo. Due to limited available spots, it is essential to book in advance through the booking system on the zoo’s official website. Remember, the meeting point is always at the flamingo enclosure, where a guide will be waiting to pick you up. If you wish to inquire about a last-minute tour, you can call 596 241 269, or simply arrive at the zoo’s entrance.
