Endemic Plants of Mauritius

Syzygium mamillatum

An endemic fruit tree that may have provided food for your ancestors. The genus Syzygium includes many edible species, and this Mauritian endemic produces edible fruits. Before colonial introduction of foreign fruits, trees like this were part of the island's natural bounty.

Diospyros tessellaria

The Black Ebony (Diospyros tessellaria) is one of eleven endemic ebony species found only in Mauritius. Once the most common and widespread ebony on the island, it has been heavily exploited for its extremely valuable black hardwood.Mauritian ebony was so prized that in 1638, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) attempted to colonize the island primarily to establish an organized ebony trade.

Diospyros leucomelas

A precious endemic hardwood tree known for its beautifully marbled black and white wood. This endangered species was heavily exploited during colonial times for furniture making and export. The name "leucomelas" means "white-black" in Greek, referring to the marbled pattern of the heartwood.

Latania loddigesii

The Blue Latan Palm (Latania loddigesii) is a stunning fan palm endemic to Mauritius, named in honor of Joachim Loddiges, a German-British nurseryman. Its silvery-blue foliage makes it one of the most attractive ornamental palms.In the wild, only a few populations survive on offshore islands, though the species has recovered thanks to conservation efforts.

Ochna mauritiana

Ochna mauritiana, known locally as "Bois Bouquet Banané," was the former National Flower of Mauritius before being replaced by Trochetia boutoniana in 1992. It belongs to the genus Ochna, whose species are commonly called Mickey-mouse plants due to the shape of their drupelet fruits.The plant was featured on Mauritian postage stamps in 2009 as part of a series on indigenous flowers.

Elaeocarpus bojeri

The Bois Dentelle (Elaeocarpus bojeri), meaning "lace wood" in French, is one of the rarest trees in the world and is listed among the 100 most threatened species globally by the IUCN Species Survival Commission and the Zoological Society of London.Named after botanist Wenceslas Bojer, this beautiful tree is renowned for its sprays of long, delicate white bell-shaped flowers that resemble lace.

Hyophorbe lagenicaulis

The Bottle Palm (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis) is a critically endangered palm endemic to Round Island, a small islet off the coast of Mauritius. Its distinctive bottle-shaped trunk has made it one of the most recognizable palm species worldwide.The species name lagenicaulis comes from Latin lagena (bottle/flask) and caulis (stem), directly describing its unique swollen trunk.

Trochetia boutoniana

The Trochetia boutoniana, known by its Creole name "Boucle d'Oreille" (meaning "earring" due to its bell-shaped flowers), is the National Flower of Mauritius since 1992. This remarkable shrub is endemic to Mauritius and represents the island's unique botanical heritage.Named after French botanist Louis Bouton, this species is one of the most iconic plants of Mauritius. Note: The species was recently reclassified as Ruizia boutoniana in 2020 when the genus Trochetia was merged into Ruizia.

Ramosmania rodriguesii

One of the world's most remarkable conservation stories. By 1980, only ONE plant remained in the wild on Rodrigues Island. It was saved from extinction through heroic efforts by the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, who managed to propagate it after years of failed attempts. Today, plants grown from the sole survivor are being reintroduced to Rodrigues.

Eugenia bojeri

Named for the clove-like scent of its crushed leaves and bark, this endemic tree is part of the diverse Eugenia genus in Mauritius. The island has numerous endemic Eugenia species, representing a remarkable radiation of this genus in isolation.

Canarium paniculatum

Named for the aromatic resin (colophane/rosin) it produces, this endemic tree was important in traditional Mauritian culture. The fragrant resin was used for incense and has spiritual significance. The tree is related to frankincense and myrrh trees from other parts of the world.

Angraecum eburneum

A stunning orchid known for its ivory-white flowers that appear like stars or comets. Found across the Mascarene Islands, this species produces some of the most spectacular flowers of any Mauritian plant. The flowers are fragrant at night to attract moth pollinators.

Cylindrocline lorencei

Cylindrocline lorencei is a remarkable conservation success story - a species that was brought back from extinction through international scientific collaboration. This small tree in the daisy family (Asteraceae) was native only to Plaine Champagne in Mauritius.Only one individual was ever observed in the wild, and when that plant died in 1990, the species was considered extinct. However, seeds collected in 1982 were later successfully germinated using embryo rescue techniques.

Sideroxylon grandiflorum

Famous for its legendary connection to the Dodo. It was once believed that seeds of this tree could only germinate after passing through a Dodo's digestive system, explaining why no young trees existed after the Dodo's extinction. While this theory has been partially disputed, the tree remains a powerful symbol of the ecological connections lost when the Dodo disappeared.

Dracaena concinna

A relative of the famous Dragon Trees of the Canary Islands, this endemic species adds a distinctive silhouette to Mauritian forests. The candle-like growth form gives it its Creole name (Bois de Chandelle = Candle Wood). It represents the presence of this ancient lineage in the Mascarenes.

Sideroxylon cinereum

A relative of the true Ironwood (Bois de Fer), this endemic tree has similarly dense wood. The name "bâtard" (bastard) suggests it was considered a lesser relative of the true ironwood, though it is equally endemic and precious.

Dictyosperma album

The Hurricane Palm (Dictyosperma album), also called Princess Palm, is the only species in its genus and is endemic to the Mascarene Islands. The name "Hurricane Palm" refers to its remarkable ability to withstand strong winds by easily shedding leaves.Despite being widely cultivated throughout the tropics, it has been harvested to near extinction in its native habitat for its prized palm heart.

Sideroxylon boutonianum

Named for its incredibly hard and dense wood that literally sinks in water, this endemic tree represents the remarkable adaptations of Mauritian flora. The wood was so valued during colonial times that the trees were extensively logged, leading to their current endangered status.

Hyophorbe amaricaulis

Hyophorbe amaricaulis holds the tragic distinction of being the rarest palm in the world - and possibly the rarest plant on Earth. Only a single individual exists, located in the Curepipe Botanic Gardens in Mauritius.This solitary specimen, estimated to be approximately 150 years old, was rediscovered in 1942 during a garden survey after the species was thought to be extinct. It is classified as an "endling" - the last known individual of its species.

Polyscias dichroostachya

An endemic tree named for the carrot-like orange color of its inner bark. This species belongs to the ginseng family and represents the Mauritian radiation of this family.

Hibiscus liliiflorus

The only hibiscus species endemic to Mauritius, this beautiful shrub produces lily-like flowers that give it its scientific name (liliiflorus = lily-flowered). Unlike the common garden hibiscus, this species has a more delicate, refined flower form.

Angraecum mauritianum

An endemic orchid that represents the remarkable orchid diversity of Mauritius. The genus Angraecum is famous for its association with Darwin, who predicted that a moth with an extremely long tongue must exist to pollinate a related species. Mauritian orchids have their own unique pollinators and evolutionary stories.

Pandanus palustris

An endemic screwpine found in the upland forests of Mauritius. The genus Pandanus has diversified remarkably in Mauritius, with several endemic species adapted to different habitats. This species is associated with wet, marshy mountain areas.

Olea lancea

A member of the olive family endemic to the Mascarene Islands. Unlike the Mediterranean olive, this species was never cultivated for oil production, but it represents the natural presence of the Oleaceae family in this region. It may have been used by early inhabitants before the arrival of Europeans.

Labourdonnaisia glauca

Once one of the most dominant trees in Mauritian forests, the Natte Tree was named after the colonial governor Mahé de La Bourdonnais. This tree once formed vast forests that covered much of the island. Its tall, straight trunk made it ideal for ship masts, leading to extensive felling during the French colonial period.

Hyophorbe indica

An extremely rare endemic palm found only on Round Island, a small islet off the north coast of Mauritius. This critically endangered species represents one of the last survivors of Mauritius's original palm diversity. The name "poison" is misleading - the palm is not toxic, but the name may have historical origins in local folklore.

Oeonia rosea

A delicate endemic orchid producing beautiful pink flowers. The genus Oeonia is found only in the Mascarenes and Madagascar, representing an ancient Indian Ocean orchid lineage.

Trochetia triflora

A close relative of the national flower, this endemic species produces delicate pink flowers instead of the deep red of Trochetia boutoniana. The genus Trochetia is endemic to the Mascarene Islands, with different species on each island.

Tarenna borbonica

Named because rats were observed eating its seeds - a name that tells a story of ecological change. Introduced rats became seed predators on many endemic plants, affecting regeneration. This tree is a member of the coffee family.

Latania lontaroides

A striking fan palm endemic to the Mascarene Islands, known for the reddish color of its leaf stalks and young leaves. This endangered species was once more widespread but has declined significantly due to habitat loss. It is one of three Latania species, each endemic to a different Mascarene island.

Pandanus vandermeerschii

Pandanus vandermeerschii is one of over 20 endemic screwpine (vacoa) species found only in Mauritius. It is particularly associated with Round Island, where it grows alongside the endemic palms and has dramatically recovered since the removal of introduced herbivores.Mauritius is home to a remarkable diversity of Pandanus species, making it an important center for this genus.

Roussea simplex

An extraordinary plant that is the ONLY species in its entire family (Rousseaceae). This means it has no close relatives anywhere on Earth - it is evolutionarily unique to Mauritius. Named after the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, this plant represents millions of years of independent evolution.

Gouania mauritiana

An endemic climbing plant with an intriguing name suggesting a connection to maritime history. The name may relate to its use by sailors or its habitat near coasts.

Labourdonnaisia revoluta

A smaller-leaved relative of the main Natte Tree, this endemic species has leaves with rolled edges (revoluta). Like its relative, it was likely logged during colonial times.

Foetidia mauritiana

Despite its unflattering name (which refers to the smell of cut wood), this endemic tree produces remarkably beautiful flowers. It belongs to the same family as the Brazil nut tree. The genus Foetidia is found only in the Mascarene Islands and Madagascar, representing an ancient lineage.

Tambourissa quadrifida

Part of a genus endemic to the Mascarenes and Madagascar. The name may relate to the drum-like shape of its fruits. These trees are dioecious (separate male and female plants), requiring both sexes for reproduction.

Hyophorbe vaughanii

One of the rarest palms in the world, named after R.E. Vaughan who contributed significantly to Mauritian botany. This critically endangered species is part of the same genus as the famous Loneliest Palm and Bottle Palm. Very few individuals remain in the wild.

Ochrosia borbonica

Named for its yellow-colored wood, this tree is part of the dogbane family. Like many members of this family, it contains latex and potentially toxic compounds. It represents the Mascarene endemic species of this widespread tropical family.