News
On Friday 24 May, Giani Abajee (Flora Conservation Biologist at the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation), conducted an exploration to Sept Cascades (also known as Tamarind Falls) in Henrietta. These exploration trips are fundamental to flora conservation since they improve our knowledge of the distribution of native and endemic Mauritian species, update population size and trends, identify threats, and may sometimes lead to previously unknown plant populations or indeed species new to science! Plant exploration can even help in saving species from extinction.
The unkind weather did not deter Giani Abajee from going on his scheduled trip. A drizzle accompanied him almost all the way down the steep gorges as he crossed some guided tourists and Mauritians, who appeared to be more captivated by the magnificent view of the waterfalls and the perspective of diving into the pools underneath the perpetual flowing waters.
Rare plants sadly are being smothered by alien invasive species such as the poivre marron (Schinus terebinthifolius) whose reddish fruits were ubiquitous. The privet (Ligustrum robustum var. walkeri) and ravenale (Ravenala madagascariensis) were also abundant.
Despite the invasion, some resilient native and endemic plants are still hanging on, such as bois queue de rat (Acalypha integrifolia) which even showed signs of natural regeneration with seedlings observed along the path. This is always a good sign at it shows that this species endemic to Mauritius and Réunion, has the means to survive despite all odds. Ficus reflexa could also be seen along the path; its roots were wrapped around a big rock, a spectacle to visitors.
Giani also came across a bois cyclone (Homalium sp.) surrounded by introduced species. No seeds were found under the tree although the species flowered abundantly after cyclone Belal in January last.
Though Giani Abajee was quite happy to see some Mauritian plants, he had expected to see the very rare endemic Polyscias gracilis which has a known small population in Sept Cascades.
