Radó Dezső: Parks and Forests - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1992)

habitat not only of the characteristic species of the dolomite flora and fauna of the Transdanubian Central Range but also of many Mediterranean plants and animals, and species deriving from the dry Russian steppe.

The unique botanical significance of Sas Hill is that so many special, protected plant species occur here in a relatively small area. Such rare plants include the Hungarian meadow saxifrage, first described in Hungary by Pál Kitaibel, the Buda “imola” (Centaurea budensis), Buda hare’s-tail grass, and King Stephen pink. A peculiar, dioecious small shrub is the horse-tail, which occurs on the crumbling dolomite only.

The bizarre cliffs and their magnificent view of the city contribute to making a visit a rewarding experience.

Today Sas Hill, an isolated island with ancient flora and fauna, is totally surrounded by the city. Mo other European capital has a similar natural heritage. The natural reserve can be visited with specialist guides only, on weekends from March to June.

In Hungary only three specimens of Lebanon cedar are known. One can be seen by 5-7 Kondor út in the 2nd district, 20 minutes walk from the terminus of bus 11. The tree which is under the protection of the Buda Mature Conservation Board and the Pilis Forestry looks like a living replica of the Solitary Cedar, Csontváry’s famous painting.

Illés utca Botanical Garden is well-known to the public in Budapest. Here the botanical order is systematic. Almost every species of Hungarian flora is represented in the mere three hectares of garden. In addition, tropical plants, including the famous Victoria regia, are on display in the greenhouse. This truly royal plant attracts numerous visitors, especially when in bloom.

Plant lovers should not miss the best kept arboretum, which lies by the Horticulture (Jniversity extending from Somlói út down to Villányi út at the foot of Gellért Hill.

There are 868 kinds of woody plants and over two hundred soft-stemmed species and varieties grow in an area of nearly seven hectares. Among others there is Mongolian linden, ginkgo, eight varieties of cinquefoil, pomegranate, rose acacia, many kinds of firethorn, rose flowered horse chestnut, cotoneaster, and innumerable varieties of roses and mountain ashes.

31