Ryšovy

Ryšovy is a natural monument on the northern edge of Strakonice in South Bohemia, wrapped around the forested hill of Ryšová. The site protects woodland with flora typical of the Strakonice limestones, a local limestone bedrock that is uncommon in this part of the country and supports an unusually rich understory.

Where is Ryšovy located?

The protected area lies south of the village of Droužetice and north of the town of Strakonice, covering the hill of Ryšová at 527 metres above sea level. That elevation makes the summit one of the highest points of what is known as the Strakonice twin-ridge upland, itself the southernmost extension of the Brdy range. The monument covers a total area of 35 hectares and has been under protection since 1990.

What is the geology behind Ryšovy?

The term "Strakonické vápence" (Strakonice limestones), used in descriptions of the area, points to a limestone bedrock that sets this spot apart from the surrounding terrain and shapes the character of the vegetation growing here.

What plants grow here?

The woodland on Ryšová is made up mainly of pine and spruce stands. What draws attention from botanists, however, is the herb layer — remarkably rich for a coniferous forest. Species recorded here include válečka prapořitá (a grass related to false-brome), along with several orchid species, most notably the rare creeping lady's-tresses (smrkovník plazivý), as well as dark red helleborine and bird's-nest orchid. The understory also includes lily-of-the-valley, wood anemone, and wood sorrel. This unusual richness of ground-layer species, atypical for spruce woodland, is one of the main reasons the site was placed under protection.

Why was Ryšovy protected?

The formal reason for declaring the natural monument is the protection of a forest with flora characteristic of the Strakonice limestone area. The combination of calcareous bedrock and coniferous forest cover created conditions for plants that do not normally occur in this type of woodland — giving this small but distinctive patch of forest right on the edge of Strakonice its scientific and natural value.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Ryšová hill? The summit of Ryšová, around which the natural monument extends, reaches 527 metres above sea level.

When was Ryšovy placed under protection? The site was declared a natural monument in 1990.

How large is the protected area? The natural monument covers 35 hectares of forest on the Ryšová hill.

What is the site's main natural feature? An unusually rich herb layer with numerous orchid species, including the rare creeping lady's-tresses, growing in a pine-and-spruce forest on limestone bedrock.

Where exactly is Ryšovy situated? Between the village of Droužetice and the town of Strakonice, on the Strakonice twin-ridge upland, the southernmost extension of the Brdy range.