Carissa
spinarum
Description:
This shrub can reach a height of 4m and is multi-stemmed. Its grey-brown bark is longitudinally fissured with multiples branches. It has simple and opposite shiny leaves, white latex. Terminal inflorescence, fragrant flowers and white corollas with often greenish tube. The fruits are chilli-shaped and turn dark purple at maturity.
Habitat:
The decline in population was due to the exploitation of forest, invasion of exotic species and development activities. This species occurs in dry, intermediate and humid forest habitat and seeds germination can also be observed in the wild.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species was propagated in nursery by seeds sowing and by harvesting seedlings in the wild. The succeeded plantlets were planted at Pigeon Wood Field Gene Bank and Robinson Arboretum, NPCS,Curepipe
Chassalia
boryana
Description:
This shrub can reach a height of 3m and usually has a single brownish trunk with multiples branches. It has simple shiny leaves often in whorls of 3-4 opposite, the flowers heads tubular and resembling coral are star-shaped with waxy white-purple petals. The small fruits are fleshy and berry-like.
Habitat:
The decline in population was the exploitation of natural habitat, invasion of exotic species and predators. This species occurs in dry and intermediate forest habitat and seeds germination can also be observed in the wild.
Propagation and re-introduction:
In year 2003-2004, we have developed with the collaboration of the Horticulture Division of MoA, to use grafting method to propagate this species on a root stock (Chassalia capitata) in Pigeon Wood nursery, the plant is still growing in the nursery.
Coffea
myrtifolia
Description:
This endangered small can reach a height of 4m usually a single brownish trunk with multiples branches. It has simple and opposite shiny leaves, the flowers are star-shaped, fragrant with cream, waxy petals and fleshy fruits with coffee beans inside.
Habitat:
The main cause of the decline in population was the invasion of exotic species and development activities. This species occurs in dry and intermediate forest habitat and seeds germination can also be observed in the wild.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species can be propagated in nursery by seeds sowing and by harvesting seedlings in the wild. The succeeded plantlets were planted at Vallee de Ferney under the Conservation and Restoration project.
Crinum
mauritianum
Description:
A large amaryllis with long, thick leaves coming from the plant base. Inflorescence on along green stem, flowers in cyme, white lily petals and bright orange stamens. The green bulb fruits contain white angular seeds.
Habitat:
Its habitat has been destroyed during the extension of Midland Dams and the population has been relocated at Petrin Forest, National Park. The flowers produce nectar which is very often visited by day Gecko and flies.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species was propagated in nursery by seeds sowing from the population of Petrin Forest. The succeeded plantlets were planted in Pigeon Wood Field Gene Bank, NPCS Arboretum at Robinson, Curepipe and Forestry Service arboretum at Mont Vert, Curepipe.
Diospyros
nodosa
Description:
This small ebony tree can reach up to 6 meters with a small canopy. It has a black trunk and usually 3-4 stems. The leaves are dark green and the veins and margins are translucent and easily noticed when held up against the light. The small whitish flowers are highly scented and the fruit like fleshy acorns.
Habitat:
The population size been reduced due to the exploitation of forest, invasion of exotic species and predators. This species occurs in humid forest and it is very rare finding seedlings in the wild. The fruits are damaged by monkeys and rats frequently before maturity stage.
Propagation and re-introduction:
The propagation of this species is done by seeds and seedlings in nursery and the succeed plantlets were planted at Ferney Valley in forest restoration project.
Diospyros
tesselaria
Description:
The black ebony can reach up to 15 meters with a small canopy. It has a black trunk often covered in thin white lichens and the tree has buttress roots enabling it to withstand strong during severe climate condition. The leaves are dark green and the veins and margins are translucent and easily noticed when held up against the light. The small whitish flowers are highly scented and the fruit like fleshy acorns
Habitat:
The tree is used to be found growing throughout our existing forest, mountains, along river banks and in some garden on the island. The black ebony regenerates well in the wild but the population is declining due to the invasion of plants alien species and predators.
Propagation and re-introduction:
The propagation of this species is very easy in nursery by seeds and seedlings and been used in forest restoration and the success plantlets were planted at Ferney Valley in forest restoration project.
Dombeya
mauritiana
Description:
This small tree can reach a height of 6m. It has a light grey trunk and finely rough bark. The plant has multiple branches and the leaves blades are oval and acute at the top with fine serrated margin. The inflorescence, terminal, cyme-shaped, bearing small white flowers and the fruit developing into a capsule
Habitat:
This species is known from 1 individual in the National Park and the habitat was destroyed by the exploitation of the forest and by the invasion of exotic plants species.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species was propagated in nursery by cuttings and the succeeded plantlets were planted in Pigeon Wood Field Gene Bank, NPCS Arboretum at Robinson, Curepipe, Forestry Arboretum at Montvert, Curepipe and at Petrin Arboretum. National Park.
Elaeocarpus
bojeri
Description:
This critically endangered shrub or small tree can reach a height of 3m. It has remarkable white flowers with frilly petals in the form of lace, hence it’s common name.
Habitat:
Its habitat has been overrun by invasive species and development. It is known from 12 individuals in the wild and found on Le Pouce Mountain and Grand Bassin.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species can be propagated in nursery by cuttings and seeds sowing. In year 2003-2004, we have developed with the collaboration of the Horticulture Division of MoA, to use grafting method to propagate this species. Six cuttings of E. bojeri been grafted on E. floribundus (Olivier). The succeeded plantlets were planted in Pigeon Wood Field
Fernelia
decipiens
Description:
This small shrub can reach a height of 3m. Its trunk is brownish with multiples branches. It has simple, oval and opposite shiny leaves. The flowers are star-shaped, fragrant with white, waxy petals and the small ovoid fruits turn purple at maturity.
Habitat:
This species has declined in population size due to the invasion of exotic species and introduced exotic fauna. This species occurs in intermediate and humid forest habitat and seedlings have rarely been seen in natural environment.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species have been propagated in nursery by seeds sowing and by harvesting seedlings in the wild. The succeeded plantlets were planted at Vallee de Ferney under the Conservation and Restoration project .
Ficus
lateriflora
Description:
: This tree can reach a height of 12m and has a single whitish trunk with multiples branches. The tough leaves glabrous, entire, serrated margin have a 3cm long petiole tiny stiff hairs. Figs yellowish at maturity, globose in the leaf axils, containing the staminate flowers.
Habitat:
This species has become rare in the wild due to the exploitation of native forest, invasion of exotic plants and development. It occurs in dry and intermediate forest habitat, often found along river bank.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species was propagated in nursery by collecting cuttings in the wild. The succeeded plantlets were planted at Pigeon Wood Field Gene Bank, Forestry arboretum, Curepipe and Ebony Forest, Chamarel.
Gouania
tiliifolia
Description:
This liana which tapers on forest trees with a base of brownish stem can reach 15cm in diameter. The twigs are cylindrical, streaked longitudinally, with russet hairs at the young stage. The inflorescence spike bearded small yellowish flowers.
Habitat:
This species occurs in all types of forest and mountains. The habitat has been disturbed by deforestation, the invasion of exotic species and poaching It was known from <30 individuals in the wild and they are pollinated by day gecko and fruits bats.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This liana is easy to propagate in nursery by cuttings and seeds sowing. In year 2003-2017, the succeeded plants were planted in Pigeon Wood Field Gene Bank, NPCS Arboretum at Robinson, Curepipe, on Ile aux Aigrettes and At Ferney Vallee.
Hibiscus
boryanus
Description:
This critically endangered small tree can reach a height of 5m. The plant has several small trunks with multiple branches and tapering leaves. These bright carmine red flowers are terminal and attract day gecko and we can observe that the Pink Pigeon feeds on the young leaves.
Habitat:
Its habitat was destroyed by the exploitation of the forest and by the invasion of exotic plants species. It is known from 2 individual at Tamarind Falls area and another population of <10 individual at Gaulettes Serrer.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species can easily propagate in nursery by cuttings and the succeeded plantlets were planted in Pigeon Wood Field Gene Bank, NPCS Arboretum at Robinson, Curepipe, Forestry Arboretum at Montvert, Curepipe and at Petrin Arboretum. National Park. We have re-introduced 5 plants at Tamarind Falls, the initial location.
Hibiscus
liliiflorus
Description:
Blooming from a small tree reaching up to 4 m in height with distinctly petioled, dark green ovate leaves of 5 – 10 cm, the Hibiscus liliiflorus is a regular, hermaphrodite flower with five orange petals forming a bright orange funnel-shaped corolla. The fruit is a dry capsule with hairy seeds and reniform.
Habitat:
Its habitat was destroyed by the exploitation of the forest, the invasion of exotic species and development. Currently known from a single declining population in the Cascade Mourouk and Batatran area, only 2 founder individuals are known in the wild.
Propagation and re-introduction:
: Propagated by cuttings and seeds from 2 remaining individuals present in Batarand and Mourouk Valley, and reintroduced in the Grande Montagne Nature Reserve and Solitude Field Gene Bank.
Hyophorbe
vaughanii
Description:
This critically endangered palm can reach a height of 4cm and the trunk greyish colour with circular strip. The dark green leaf sheaths tinged with yellowish. The green inflorescences with small orange-white flowers and the sub-globular fruits, red at maturity
Habitat:
This palm tree grows in humid upland forest. The habitat has been disturbed by deforestation and the invasion of exotic species. It is known from <10 individuals in the wild and we have observation of the seed’s germination and seedlings in the wild in weeded forest.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species was propagated in nursery by seedlings and seeds sowing. In year 2003-2008, the succeeded plantlets were planted in Pigeon Wood Field Gene Bank, NPCS Arboretum at Robinson, Curepipe and at Petrin arboretum, National Park.
Nesocodon
mauritianus
Description:
This critically endangered shrub can reach a height of 30cm with several small stem and the leaves are linear with toothed margin and its remarkable terminal small blue-violet simple flowers.
Habitat:
Its habitat has been disturbed by invasion exotic species and the population size is now <50 individual in the wild and the biggest population is known in cliff of the Cascade 500 Pieds. The flowers produced red nectar which very often visited by day Gecko.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species can be propagated in nursery by cuttings and seeds sowing. In year 2003-2004, we have manged to propagate this species by cuttings. The succeeded plantlets were planted in Pigeon Wood Field Gene Bank, NPCS Arboretum at Robinson, Curepipe.
Ochrosia
borbonica
Description:
This small endemic tree can reach 6m height and it has a fissured grey bark with multiples branches. Inflorescence terminal flowers in helix form, with white corolla are scented and the elliptical fruits usually in twin turn yellow at maturity.
Habitat:
This species is known from <5 individual in the wild. The decline in population size was the invasion of exotic species, poaching and development. This species occurs in intermediate and humid forest habitat and seeds germination can also be observed in the wild.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species was propagated in nursery by seeds sowing and by harvesting seedlings in the wild. The succeeded plantlets were planted at Pigeon wood and Mont vert arboretum, Forestry Service, Curepipe.
Pandanus
macrostigma
Description:
This screw pine can reach a height of 8m and usually has a single brownish trunk which divides in 2-3 branches. The leaves which are 110cm long are blades like, shiny and have a whitish toothed margin. The white flowers inserted into the bracts and the syncarp bearing conical drupes.
Habitat:
The reduction in the population size in the wild due to the invasion of exotic plants and introduced animals’ species. It occurs in intermediate forest habitat and more often in expose windy site. We have observed natural seedlings in the wild.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species was successfully propagated in nursery by harvesting seedlings in the wild. The succeeded plantlets were planted at Vallee de Ferney under the Conservation and Restoration project
Pandanus
microcarpus
Description:
This species can reach a height of 5m with usually a brownish trunk forming a single crown. The leaves which are 60cm long are green-yellow, blades like and waxy.They have reddish toothed margin. The white flowers inserted into the bracts and the reddish syncarp bearing small conical drupes.
Habitat:
The population size continues to decline in the wild due to the invasion of exotic plants and introduced animals’ species. It occurs in intermediate and humid forest habitat and more often growing on river bank and expose site. We have observed natural seedlings in the wild.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species was successfully propagated in nursery by harvesting seeds and seedlings in the wild. The succeeded plantlets were planted at Pigeon Wood Field Gene Bank and Robison arboretum, NPCS, Curepipe and arboretum Forestry Service, Curepipe.
Polyscias
gracilis
Description:
This critically endangered small tree can reach a height of 6m. The trunk and the branches are soft like sponge, hence the common name. This species has thick, shiny leaves and the inflorescences are axis of the branches and form a small white cluster flower.
Habitat:
The habitat of this species has been disturbed by deforestation activity and the invasion of exotic plants species. It was known from <50 individuals in the wild. It is the home of our endemic day gecko.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species is easy to propagate in nursery by cuttings and seeds sowing. The succeeded plantlets were planted in Pigeon Wood Field Gene Bank, NPCS Arboretum at Robinson, Curepipe, Forestry Arboretum at Montvert, Curepipe and the arboretum at Ebony Forest Chamarel.
Polyscias
paniculata
Description:
This critically endangered tree can reach a height of 8m. The trunk and the branches are soft like sponge, hence the common name. This species has thick, waxy leaves and the inflorescence are axis of the branches form a small yellowish clusters flower and the fruits are ridged and berry-like.
Habitat:
The habitat of this species has been disturbed by deforestation activity and the invasion of exotic plants species. The population size been reduced to <50 individuals in the wild. It is the home of our endemic day gecko which pollinate also the flowers.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This propagation of this plant been done by cuttings and seeds sowing in nursery. The succeeded plantlets were planted in Pigeon Wood Field Gene Bank, NPCS Arboretum at Robinson and at Ferney Vallee.
Apodites
dimidiata
Description:
This tree can reach a height of 10m with usually a single brownish trunk and branching out. The leaves have a reddish 2cm long petiole and they have simple, elliptical and alternate shiny. The inflorescence bearing small white fragrant flowers and the small fruits are round, ribbed and turning purple at maturity.
Habitat:
This species has become rare in the wild due to the invasion of exotic plants and introduced animals’ species. It occurs in intermediate and humid forest habitat and it is quite rare finding seedlings in the wild.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species was propagated in nursery by harvesting seedlings in the wild. The succeeded plantlets were planted at Vallee de Ferney under the Conservation and Restoration project.
Poupartia
borbonica
Description:
This deciduous tree can reach a height of 8m and the trunk has a greyish colour with long whitish tripped. It has multiple branches with simple and compound leaves. The inflorescence is terminal carry out small reddish cluster’s flowers and the angular berry-like fruits turn blue-black at maturity.
Habitat:
The plants usually found in expose windy site in dry and mountain forest. The population of this species has been declined due the invasion of exotic aliens’ species and deforestation. It was known <50 individuals. The fruits are eaten by birds and dispersed by the Fruits Bats.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species was propagated in the nursery by seedlings and sowing seeds. In 2003-2008, we successfully propagated this species on a large scale by seedlings. The successful planlets were planted on the Ile aux Aigrettes field genebank, the NPCS arboretum in Robinson, Curepipe, Ferney valley and the arboretum in Bras D’Eau National Park.
Psiadia
cataractae
Description:
This critically endangered shrub can reach a height of 60cm. This species has linear shiny leaves and it is remarkable terminal small white clusters flowers.
Habitat:
Its habitat has been disturbed by development and invaded by exotic species. It was known form 4 individuals on the edge of the Tamarind Falls. After a cyclone in 2014 only 1 individual left in the wild found.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species can be propagated in nursery by cuttings and seeds sowing. In year 2003-2004, we have manged to propagate this species on large scale by cuttings. The succeeded plantlets were planted in Pigeon Wood Field Gene Bank, NPCS Arboretum at Robinson, Curepipe, Forestry Arboretum at Montvert, Curepipe and the arboretum at Bras D’Eau National Park.
Tectiphialla
ferox
Description:
: This critically endangered palm can reach a height of 4m and the trunk is covered with long black spine. The dark brown leaves with blackish spines erect even on the leaf sheath. The inflorescence of 30cm long, bearing small yellow-orange flowers and blue-black fruits to maturity.
Habitat:
This palm occurs in humid forest and swamp. The habitat has been disturbed by deforestation and invaded by exotic species. It was known form <10 individuals in the wild and it is the home of our endemic day gecko.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This palm can be propagated in nursery by seedlings and seeds sowing. In year 2003-2006, the succeeded plantlets were planted in Pigeon Wood Field Gene Bank, NPCS Arboretum at Robinson, Curepipe and at Petri arboretum, National Park.
Tetrataxis
salicifolia
Description:
This small tree can reach a height of 6m, trunk whitish with multiples tetragon branches. The leaves yellowish, simple, elliptical and acute at the top, the yellowish green flower hides inside the yellow-orange flower tube. The small ovoid fruits inside the floral tube contain small pale brown seeds (1mm).
Habitat:
This species is restricted in two station known from <20 individual in the wild. The decline of the population size is due to the invasion of exotic species and introduced exotic fauna. This species occurs in humid mountain forest habitat in expose windy site and we have not seen seedlings in their natural habitat.
Propagation and re-introduction:
This species have been propagated in nursery by harvesting seedlings in the wild. The succeeded plantlets were planted at Pigeon Wood Field Gene Bank and Robison Arboretum, NPCS, Curepipe under the Rare Plant Project
Zanthoxylum
heterophyllum
Description:
This tree reaches a height of 8cm with a smooth and dark grey bark. The juvenile leaves are oval, waxy with small brown spines at the top and adult leaves tapering with entire margins. The inflorescence bearing between 60-100 small yellow-white flowers and blue-black fruits to maturity containing black and shiny seeds.
Habitat:
The species was known in all altitude in the past; nowadays it is restricted to three location. The habitat has been disturbed by deforestation, the invasion of exotic species and development. It was known from <200 individuals in the wild.
Propagation and re-introduction:
The propagation phase in nursery by seedlings and seeds were a success. In year 2003-2004, the succeeded plantlets were planted in Pigeon Wood Field Gene Bank, Ile aux Aigrettes, NPCS Arboretum at Robinson, Curepipe and at Petrin arboretum, National Park.
Metioche
payendeei
Description:
This tiny insect measures on average 6.5 mm in length. The back ground colour of its head, legs and body is orange while its head and pronotum have white patterns; in one specimen, these patterns were light blue. Forewing angle and posterior veins of the dorsal field are white, other veins of the dorsal field are brown and its cells are black.
Habitat:
This insect is known by very few specimens, all collected in the Grande Montagne Nature Reserve. It was mostly found on the endemic Pittosporum balfourii at various heights, never on or near the ground. Like the other endemic Trigonidiinae of Rodrigues, this species seems mostly active by day hours.
Propagation and re-introduction:
For now, the species is being conserved and safeguarded in the Grande Montagne Nature Reserve through the recreation of its native habitat.
Metioche
surperbus
Description:
This tiny insect measures on average 5.5 mm in length and is bright blue with red wings. The back ground colour of its head, legs and body is light grey; its head and pronotum have brown patterns. Forewing angle and posterior veins of the dorsal field are bright blue, other veins of the dorsal field are orange and its cells are black.
Habitat:
Only found in the most humid areas of Rodrigues. Found in high densities in the restored forest areas of the island and at significantly lower densities in wooded areas invaded by exotic plant species. This insect is preferably observed on native trees; Turraea laciniata, Cassine orientalis, Doricera trilocularis and Pittosporum balfourii. Mostly active by day hours.
Propagation and re-introduction:
For now, the species is being conserved and safeguarded in the Grande Montagne Nature Reserve through the recreation of its native habitat.
Acropora
rodiguensis
Description:
The R. Acropora is a colonial encrusting coral attached at the level of the substrate when occurring on highly exposed reef crests, reaching up to 2 m across. Colonies occurring in more sheltered zones inside the lagoon, form smaller slightly raised plate-like structures. Pale brown, with polyps between protrusions, colonies have a pale margin around their perimeter.
Habitat:
Currently known only from Rodrigues, it was relatively common on shallow exposed reef crests and flats of the northeast reef; the 2016 coral bleaching and mortality event severely affected the species which is now found only rarely. This coral occurs predominantly in waters to a maximum depth of 3m.
Propagation and re-introduction:
Propagation and re-introduction: Not propagated, nor re-introduced, but conserved in the 4 northern Marine Reserves through the creation of no-take protected areas.
Pomacentrus
rodriguensis
Description:
This bluish grey fish has darker scale margins and a yellowish hue ventrally between its pectoral and pelvic fin bases; its dorsal fin is brown with a broad yellow margin. The damselfish is on average 7 cm long, 5 cm deep and 2 cm wide. A solitary species, it defends its territory aggressively against other fish sharing the same habitat.
Habitat:
Currently known from Rodrigues and Mauritius, it is relatively common off lagoon at depths between 9-20 m, with a preference for a territory of mixed live coral dominated by Acropora and Montipora spp that are affected by silt deposition.
Propagation and re-introduction:
Not propagated, nor re-introduced, but conserved in the 4 northern Marine Reserves through the creation of no-take protected areas