Bois MozambiqueLudia mauritiana
Category
- Forests
Description
Ludia mauritiana, locally known as bois Mozambique, is a small native tree measuring up to 6 meters in height[1]. It has small simple, alternate leaves that are slightly curled and leathery. The leaf margins are red as are the stalks. Two distinctive features are its small white spots on its branches as well as its netted venation on the underside of its leaves. Its inflorescence occurs at the base of the leaf stalks in the form of small white flowers. The tree produces small red berries.
[1] Atkinson, Rachel, and Jean-Claude Sevathian. 2005. A guide to the plants in Mauritius. Vacoas: Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.
Habitat and ecology
The plant is native to Mauritius, Madagascar and Africa. L. mauritiana is an adaptable and resilient species found in the dry, intermediate and upland wet forest, but is most common in the intermediate and dry forests.
Conservation and management
Due to its wide range and population, the species is considered of ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN Red List of Threatened species.
Did you know?
This hard wood is believed to have been used in the construction of wheels.[1]
[1] Fruits-feuilles-fleurs-de.com. 2012-2018. "Ludia mauritiana." Fruits fleurs feuilles de l'ile de la Réunion et d'ailleurs. Accessed August 2018. http://fleurs-fruits-feuilles-de.com/ludia_mauritiana.php.
References
[1] Atkinson, Rachel, and Jean-Claude Sevathian. 2005. A guide to the plants in Mauritius. Vacoas: Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.
[1] Fruits-feuilles-fleurs-de.com. 2012-2018. "Ludia mauritiana." Fruits fleurs feuilles de l'ile de la Réunion et d'ailleurs. Accessed August 2018. http://fleurs-fruits-feuilles-de.com/ludia_mauritiana.php.
