ColophaneCanarium paniculatum
Category
- Forests
General description
C. paniculatum, known locally as Colophane is an endemic tree which can grow for several centuries before attaining approximately 20 meters in height and a circumference of 120 centimeters. It has a pale pinkish white flaking bark with white resin smelling of turpentine[1]. Its leaves are compound with an odd number of leaflets and prominent yellow veins on both sides, while leaf margins are wavy. Leaf stalks are red. Its fruit is similar to wrinkled prunes when ripe[2].
[1] Rouillard, G. & Guého, J., 1999. Les plantes et leur histoire à l'Ile Maurice. s.l.:s.n.
[2] Strahm, W. 1998. Canarium paniculatum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 1998: e.T30520A9559117. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.1998.RLTS.T30520A9559117.en. Downloaded on 07 December 2017.
Habitat and ecology
Colophane can be found in the sub-humid and upland wet forests, lending its name to “Plateau Colophane”. The tree used to be very abundant but is now very rare. Natural regeneration appears to be non-existent. The Colophane plays an important role for endemic and native birds such as the White-tailed tropic bird (Phaeton lepturus) and the Mauritius Echo Parakeet (Psittacula echo), which nest in the tree’s cavities and are sheltered by the epiphytes growing around its trunk.
Conservation and management
The species is listed as ‘Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List. The tree has suffered from the historical deforestation of native forests in Mauritius, for the exploitation of wood and to clear land for agricultural purposes. The introduction of exotic alien species such as the Strawberry guava may hinder its growth, while the crab-eating macaque has been known to feed on its shoots.
Did you know?
The Colophane tree is known for its durability in construction, as well as the resin which was used to make instruments such as violins or was burned as incense.
References
[1] Rouillard, G. & Guého, J., 1999. Les plantes et leur histoire à l'Ile Maurice. s.l.:s.n.
[1] Strahm, W. 1998. Canarium paniculatum. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 1998: e.T30520A9559117. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.1998.RLTS.T30520A9559117.en. Downloaded on 07 December 2017.
