Over 360 years of history are rooted right here in front of you. It’s the Hraniční dub. This magnificent oak stands tall as a living testament to centuries past.
The Hraniční dub is one of the most impressive trees in Prague. Its very presence commands respect. Its massive trunk requires several people to encircle it completely. Imagine trying to wrap your arms around that.
As you gaze upwards its crown spreads majestically. The skeletal branches resemble the trunks of ordinary trees in their size. Some have fallen victim to time. Even so try to envision those mighty limbs as they once dominated the landscape. Picture how the Hraniční dub lorded over this area a century ago.
This tree marks a boundary. The Hraniční dub is the oldest and largest tree in the entire game preserve. A boundary protocol from 1662 mentions it. The protocol defined the borders between the Uhříněves and Škvorec estates. This tree was protected. It stood as a boundary marker since time immemorial. This protection allowed it to reach its impressive size.
The Hraniční dub grows on the edge of the Obora nature reserve in Uhříněves. The area was established in 1982. This forest spans nearly 35 hectares. It lies within the Říčanka Nature Park. The preserve is valuable. It has many forest communities and diverse herbs. It is home to many animal species.
The dominant community is the hawthorn ash forest. It is a type of floodplain forest. The maple-hornbeam forest grows on slopes behind the Wastewater Research Institute. It represents a dry forest community. There are also fragments of hornbeam oak groves.
You may find valuable herbs here. These species withstand human pressures. Look for buttercup anemone spring primrose lesser periwinkle European wild ginger lily of the valley scaly tooth herb paris and wood bluegrass.
Considering its age the oak’s health is remarkable. The Hraniční dub is a testament to resilience. Its estimated age is around 360 years. This living monument continues to thrive. An information board stands near the tree if you want to read more about it.
As you leave take one last look at the Hraniční dub. Remember that you stood before a symbol. The Hraniční dub is a symbol of history nature and enduring strength.