Green Tourism in Mauritius

GREEN TOURISM

Mauritius is not just about sun, sea and sand. There is a whole 'nature' dimension to experience inside the island, in the midst of its lush vegetation. Being of volcanic origin, Mauritius offers a haven of natural beauty.

Flora
The flora of Mauritius is composed of 700 species of indigenous plants. Vividly coloured flowers decorate the island. With over 60 different orchid species alone, Mauritius is the second largest supplier of plants and cut flowers after the Netherlands.

Many of these plants are threatened with extinction. This is because there is less than 2% of their natural habitats left, and because introduced plants and animals compete and destroy their fruits and seedlings. In collaboration with the National Parks, the Conservation and Forestry Services, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation is working to protect these species and the forest for future generations.

Trochetia Boutoniana (Boucle d'Oreille)

• Became the National Flower on the 12th of March 1992, when Mauritius gained the status of Republic.
• Is named after the famous French botanist, Louis Bouton.
• It is endemic to Mauritius and is found in only one locality in the wild.
• Is a magnificent shrub reaching about 2 to 3 metres in height, with reddish-orange flowers.
• Adapts to dry condition and commonly flowers from June to October.
  

Red Anthurium

The exotic red Anthurium plants are trademarks of the island and are taken back as gifts by returning visitors.

Tropical Fruits
Fruits are also grown for export and for local consumption. Expect mangoes, pineapples, papaya and bananas to regularly appear at the dining table.

SSR Botanical Garden
The garden is known throughout the botanical world for its large collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including the giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies and many species of palm trees. The 60-acre garden boasts of 500 different species of plants, of which 80 are palms. Of particular interest is the Talipot Palm, which dies after a single flowering.

A talipot palm in bloom at the SSR Botanical Garden
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden of Pamplemousses is hosting a botanical phenomenon : a talipot palm is in bloom. The talipot flowers once every 30 to 100 years and it is commonly known as the centenary tree in Mauritius. The talipot palm bears the largest inflorescence of any plant, 6 to 8 m long, consisting of one to several million small flowers borne on a branched stalk that forms at the top of the trunk. This event is even more attractive because the plant dies after fruiting. Those who wish to witness this phenomenon are warmly invited to visit the SSR Botanical Garden.

Fauna
As a volcanic island formed in the middle of the sea, Mauritius offered limited possibilities to natural colonisation coming through the air and over the sea. As a result, only a few animals made it to Mauritius: some birds and some reptiles but no mammals apart from bats and no amphibians at all. A few species still exist deep in the forest or on offshore islets, away from predators. Thus, Ile aux Aigrettes, off the southeast coast is a window of the work done to revive indigenous forests and reintroduce rare species. Organised visits are available to the public.

The few native species that still exist include: