Alpengarten Patscherkofel is the highest botanic garden in Europe, situated at around 2,000 metres above sea level. Managed by the University of Innsbruck the garden covers some 8,500 square meters of forest, dwarf shrub heath, and open fields, displaying more than 400 different alpine mountain plants. Alpine flora from all over the world, America, Himalaya, Europe, are represented and include Edelweiss, gentian, primula auricular amongst others. Many of the plants are protected species and are fenced in to prevent them from being grazed. The site also includes a research centre for eco-physiological studies at the alpine timber-line.