Top 20 Most Common Trees in Mauritius

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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Mauritius

The climate and soil conditions of Mauritius are conducive for the growth of indigenous trees. Three emblematic local trees include Red frangipani, Banyan tree, and Mango tree. These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value within the region. They contribute to the unique ecosystem of Mauritius and symbolize its biodiversity.

Most Common Trees

Red frangipani

1. Red frangipani

Red frangipani (Plumeria rubra) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Central and South America. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical climates. All parts of the plant are toxic when ingested due to their high alkaloid content.

Banyan tree

Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is a tree species that germinates in cracks and crevices of other trees or structures. Banyan tree grows by emitting aerial roots and forming a canopy. The banyan tree is the national tree of the Republic of India and has religious significance.

Tropical almond

3. Tropical almond

Tropical almond is grown commonly as an ornamental tree. It is prized for its ability to provide shade with its large leaves. These leaves are commonly used in aquariums by fish breeders for their ability to lower the pH and heavy metal content of the water. Although the fruit of the tropical almond is edible, the taste is slightly acidic.

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Mango tree

Mango tree is a large tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is most well-known for the tropical fruit it produces, and mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Mango tree can also be used for wood after the tree’s fruit production is over. This type of wood is highly prized for making musical instruments.

Avocado

Persea americana, widely known as the avocado plant, is an evergreen tree (semi-deciduous in cooler climates) that is native to Central America. It is cultivated all over the world for its nutritious fruits. Avocado has become an important plant in many cuisines due to its high nutrient and fat content, creamy texture, and distinct taste.

Pongame Oiltree

6. Pongame Oiltree

This tropical, fast-growing tree, the pongame Oiltree or Pongamia pinnata, produces seeds that are poisonous. In fact, the seeds were once used to make fish poison. There are no edible uses for this tree, but it is used in manufacturing.

Indian Laurel

7. Indian Laurel

Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa) is a fig tree originating in China. The indian Laurel attracts the fig wasp pollinator. In some east Asian cultures, it is believed the indian Laurel is a meeting place for spirits.

Papaya

Papaya is a fruit-bearing plant that originates from Central America. The fruits are edible and sweet and juicy when ripe. An enzyme collected from the milky sap is used as a meat softener, which if ingested may be toxic. Keeping a papaya plant in your garden will welcome many birds to your landscape.

Beach sheoak

9. Beach sheoak

Beach sheoak (Casuarina equisetifolia) is a flowering evergreen tree that is considered invasive in some areas. Beach sheoak replaces native trees and disturbs their natural habitat. Beach sheoak produces a woody fruit that attract birds. It does not grow well in cold temperatures and is intolerant to frost. This species grows well in coastal areas and tolerates salty soil.

Rubber tree

10. Rubber tree

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber tree is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

African tulip tree

11. African tulip tree

African tulip tree (*Spathodea campanulata*) is an evergreen tree that grows best in full sunlight and well-drained soil. African tulip tree is shade-tolerant. It is a fast-growing tree and a prolific seed producer, dispersing seeds that can germinate without light, giving it the potential to become invasive in some areas.

Orchid tree

12. Orchid tree

Orchid tree (Bauhinia variegata) is a partially deciduous shrub-like tree that can grow from 6 to 8 m tall. Large fragrant flowers resembling orchids blossom from winter to spring. The colors of the flowers range from orchid purple to light pink all in the same blossom. A fast-growing tree that blooms best in full sun makes a spectacular street tree when grown in warm climates.

Lychee

Lychee is a tall evergreen tree native to southeastern China. It bears pink fruits with a rough skin. The juicy fruit is a very popular food, and the trees are cultivated widely in many parts of Asia.

Guava

Guava (*Psidium guajava*) is a fruit-producing evergreen shrub that grows natively in the Caribbean region and South America. Guava attracts the honey bee and other insects, and guava fruit is edible. Additionally, guava wood is used for smoking meat.

Floss silk tree

15. Floss silk tree

Floss silk tree (Ceiba speciosa) is a tree species native to South America. Floss silk tree may reach more than 25 m in height. The floss silk tree attracts hummingbirds. Other animals tend to stay away from this tree because the trunk is studded with thick, sharp thorns.

Golden shower tree

16. Golden shower tree

Golden shower tree (Cassia fistula) is a plant that is found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is at its peak during the middle of the summer. Golden shower tree is both the national flower and tree of Thailand. The Latin name "Cassia" comes from "Kassia", which means "fragrant plant." It holds a sacred place in scriptures like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Carambola

Carambola (Averrhoa carambola) is a tree that’s indigenous to lush and steamy regions of Southeast Asia. Another name for it is star fruit. People call it this because when you slice it in half, you’ll see an unmistakable star shape. Not only is the fruit tasty, but it also reportedly has health benefits.

Tamarind

Tamarind is a monotypic perennial tree grown for its timber and edible fruits. Tamarind trees yield brown seed fruits with a sweet, acidic pulp used in various varieties of cuisines around the world. The pulp is also used as a metal polish.

Scarlet flame bean

19. Scarlet flame bean

Scarlet flame bean is a terrestrial tree consisting of cup-shaped red flowers. Its Latin name (Brownea grandiceps) is named after the renowned Irish botanist Patrick Browne. The scarlet flame bean flowers have sweet nectar that attracts hummingbirds. The tree is native to a terrestrial habitat and flourishes in a tropical climate.

Tree-heliotrope

20. Tree-heliotrope

Tree-heliotrope (Heliotropium foertherianum) is a small, often very low-growing tropical tree which can withstand coastal wind and saline soil. Its easily worked wood is suitable for handicrafts, tools, and even the frames of goggles. In some places, it has been overharvested for use as firewood.

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