Bois PimentGeniostoma borbonicum
Category
- Forests
Description
G. borbonicum locally known as bois piment is a shrub measuring between 2 to 6 meters. Its genus comprises 25 species and is widely found throughout the Pacific. G. borbonicum is one of three species of the genus endemic to the Mascarene islands. It is often branched from the base and it has simple, opposite leaves which are arranged terminally. The leaves’ venation is light yellow[1]. Flowers are white and found either to be solitary or in bundles of up to 9 flowers.
[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 endemic to Mauritius and Reunion. It is found in the upland wet forest and heath and in the intermediate forest. It is considered a pioneer species and is used in ecological restoration[1].
Conservation and management
The species is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red Data List
[1] CIRAD. 2008. Geniostoma borbonicum. Accessed August 2018. http://arbres-reunion.cirad.fr/especes/loganiaceae/geniostoma_borbonicum_lam_spreng.
Did you know?
The fruit resemble a chili pepper capsule which opens as it ripens, showing bare seeds embedded in a yellowish flesh – giving the plant its common name.
References
[1] Atkinson, Rachel, and Jean-Claude Sevathian. 2005. A guide to the plants in Mauritius. Vacoas: Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.
[1] CIRAD. 2008. Geniostoma borbonicum. Accessed August 2018. http://arbres-reunion.cirad.fr/especes/loganiaceae/geniostoma_borbonicum_lam_spreng.
