About this place
Malochova skalka is a small yet botanically remarkable nature reserve on the left bank of the Berounka River, within the cadastral territory of Družtová, northeast of Plzeň. Covering only about two hectares, this modest protected area ranks among the most ecologically interesting sites in the wider Plzeň region.
What can you find at the reserve?
The heart of the site consists of three rock outcrops formed of spilite, a dark greenish volcanic rock. These outcrops rise from a steep, west-facing slope covered by oak-hornbeam woodland, creating a distinct microclimate that favors plants typically found on drier, sun-exposed rocky habitats rather than in the surrounding forest.
Why is this place protected?
The rock ledges and their immediate surroundings host several rare plant species, most notably blue moor-grass (Sesleria caerulea) — a grass typical of mountain and submontane habitats, for which Malochova skalka represents the westernmost known occurrence anywhere in the Czech Republic. Alongside it, botanists have recorded Deptford pink (Dianthus armeria), branched St Bernard's lily (Anthericum ramosum), and spring cinquefoil (Potentilla verna) growing on the outcrops. This combination of species gives the site notable value for conserving xerothermic flora in the Plzeň area.
The reserve was declared a protected natural monument (registration number 234) in 1970 and covers 2.21 hectares. It is administered by the Regional Authority of the Plzeň Region.
Where does the name come from?
The reserve is named after František Maloch (1862–1940), a Plzeň botanist and schoolteacher who spent years studying the flora of the Plzeň area as well as the Brdy Hills, Šumava, and the Bohemian Forest. Since 1951, one of the rock outcrops has carried a memorial plaque in his honor, which local nature enthusiasts have kept regularly restored ever since.
How to get to Malochova skalka
The reserve sits right along the Berounka River valley, making it an easily reachable stop for anyone hiking or cycling the riverside trails. Its proximity to Plzeň makes it a convenient short outing for residents of the city and surrounding towns, particularly for visitors with an interest in geology or botany who want to see an unusual rock formation and a genuinely rare plant community up close.
Frequently asked questions
How large is the protected area of Malochova skalka? The reserve covers approximately 2.21 hectares.
When was the site placed under protection? It received natural monument status in 1970.
What is the most valuable plant species here? Blue moor-grass (Sesleria caerulea) — this is its westernmost known site in the Czech Republic.
Where does the reserve's name come from? It honors František Maloch, a Plzeň botanist and teacher who studied the region's flora.
What rock forms the outcrops? Spilite, a dark volcanic rock, which forms the three characteristic rock formations at the site.
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