It also houses a botanic library, a herbarium and the International Organizations for Succulent Plant Research (IOS).

in 1929, Julius Brann Gassersche, a store owner, acquired the unique collection and made a gift of it to the city of Zürich.

Periodic special displays provide an insight into the survival mechanisms used by succulents.

[4] Surrounded by a park on the lake, the facilities house over 25,000 exotic plants in about 6,500 species and varieties on 4,750 square metres (1.17 acres), including 700 square metres (0.17 acres) in six greenhouses, 16 heated cold frame boxes and an outdoor area.

[4] This political pressure led to the founding of the boosting association Förderverein der Sukkulenten-Sammlung Zürich.

[5] The council then decided to suspend the motion, until it became clear whether the Canton of Zürich and the federal authorities would become involved in co-financing.