Bois de tambourTambourissa amplifolia

Category
  • Forests
Tags
  • Mountain slopes and forests
  • Flora
  • Endemic

Description

T. amplifolia can be observed as a small bush in the undergrowth or a tree reaching 8 m in height and the trunk can reach 9 cm in diameter. The leaves are heterophyllous (of different types on the same plant) and are often grouped at the terminal part of branches. They are opposite and appear elliptical to oval. The inflorescences are found solitary or fasciculate (in clusters) on the base part of the trunk and the flowers are monoecious (male and female flowers on the same plant). The fruit are solitary, mainly found at the base of the trunk and more rarely on the branches.

Habitat and ecology

This small plant, endemic to Mauritius, is part of the undergrowth of the canopy in the wild. It is found in both intermediate forests and upland humid forests of higher altitude. The plant usually grows in damp places under the canopy. Seedlings are rare in nature, as are plants producing flowers and fruits. The day gecko has been observed in the flowers as a pollinator.

 

Conservation and threats

This species is ranked 'Endangered' on the IUCN Red List. There is no conservation action concerning it, but it is protected in nature under the forest restoration project in the Natural Park and Conservation Management Area (CMA). The size of its population is declining due to habitat loss and the invasion of exotic species.

Did you know?

The first sample of this plant was collected by P. D Boivin at the "Bois du Grand Port district, Montagne du Pouce" in August 1851.