Bois ManiocErythrospermum monticolum
Category
- Forests
Description
E. monticolum is a small tree endemic to Mauritius measuring under 5 meters[1]. The genus, formerly considered part of the Flacourtiaceae family, is now considered part of the Achariaceae family. Its branches are covered in a greyish bark and have reddish-brown lenticels[2]. It has simple, alternate, green leaves. The venation on the surface of the leaves is not very visible but may be so from the underside. The inflorescence of the species occurs in solitary small flowers which are triangular shaped and brownish in colour. Its fruit are spherical, reddish and may contain 1 to 5 seeds each.
[1] Atkinson, Rachel, and Jean-Claude Sevathian. 2005. A guide to the plants in Mauritius. Vacoas: Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.
[2] Bosser, Jean, I. Keith Ferguson, and C. Soopramanien. 1999. Flore des Mascareignes La Réunion, Maurice, Rodrigues 149. Aristolochiacées à 152. Monimiacées. IRD Editions.
Habitat and ecology
E. monticolum is endemic to Mauritius and can be found in the intermediate and upland forest. It may be found in the heath or in exposed sites overlooking rivers in forests dominated by Sideroxylon and Labourdonnaisia. It is recognizable from its rounded leaves grouped at the crown of branches, and is known to be found in Plaine Champagne, Pétrin, Perrier Reserve, Macabé, Piton du Milieu, the Pouce Mountain[1] and the intermediate forest of Bel Ombre.
Conservation and management
The species is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species.
[1] Ibid.
Did you know?
The Achariaceae family’s claim to fame is the extraction of chaulmoogra oil from a related species. This oil was used to treat leprosy.
References
[1] Atkinson, Rachel, and Jean-Claude Sevathian. 2005. A guide to the plants in Mauritius. Vacoas: Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.
[1] Bosser, Jean, I. Keith Ferguson, and C. Soopramanien. 1999. Flore des Mascareignes La Réunion, Maurice, Rodrigues 149. Aristolochiacées à 152. Monimiacées. IRD Editions.
[1] Ibid.
