Mohelno Serpentine Steppe

The Mohelenska hadcova step is a south-facing amphitheatre above a bend of the Jihlava, and it exists because of the rock: serpentinite, which weathers to a soil high in magnesium and heavy metals and low in calcium, hostile to most plants. What grows on it is a specialised flora - a serpentine race of Scots pine that stays dwarfed, individuals over a century old standing barely two metres, along with ferns, stonecrops and several species restricted to serpentine substrates in Central Europe. The exposure adds heat: the slope faces south and bakes, so there are steppe insects and reptiles here at the northern edge of their range, and the site has been studied since the 1920s as one of the classic ecological localities in the country. A trail runs along the rim above with views into the amphitheatre; the slope itself is closed. Dalesice reservoir is downstream.

What you actually see

• Dwarfed pines - a century old and barely two metres, on serpentine soil.
• A south-facing amphitheatre - baking above a bend of the Jihlava.
• Serpentine specialists - ferns and plants restricted to this rock in Central Europe.
• A classic study site - researched continuously since the 1920s.

When to go

April to June. Half a day.

Honest expectations

The slope itself is closed - viewing is from the rim trail. The interest is botanical and needs some background to appreciate. It is hot and unshaded in summer. Facilities in the village are minimal.

Nearby

Dalesice reservoir is downstream; Trebic is north.