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The Devin Orchid
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The Devinska Kobyla National Park has been established to protect its unique and remarkable flora and fauna. It is located in the southern most part of Malé Karpáty mountain range. It´s size is 101 ha and lies between Bratislava suburbs of Devinska Nová Ves, Dúbravka and Devín. 234 types of mushrooms, 110 types of lichens, 100 types of moss and 1100 types higher forms of flora can be found there. 25 types of flora belongs to protected species. The southern and south-western slopes of Devinska Kobyla give home to a member of colonies which thrive and dry and warm microclimate and which contain unique and protected species of flora and fauna. Especially worth mentioning are the various types of violets (kind Viola) and mainly a rich representation of the Orchidaceous family. Out of 50 types growing in Devinska Kobyla 26 grow at this locality. All Orchidaceous are listed as being in jeopardy.
Natural reserve Štokeravská vápenka (the site of a former lime quarry) is at the more remote northerly end of the national park (in Devínska Nová Ves). Some beautiful plants are at home here; among them is the Adriatic lizard orchid, one of Central Europe’s most precious plants. It grows in forest steppes, thin forests and forest edges and on grassy and shrubby slopes in lower heights and it prefers calcareous soil. [...]
