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Flowers of Mauritius - Trochetia
The flora of Mauritius harbours many unique and
beautiful species. The Trochetia is a genus of shrubs and small tress which
have spectacular flowering. They are endemic to the Mascarene Islands and consist six
species out of which five are found in Mauritius and one in Reunion Island.
All species
bear simple hermaphrodite white, pink or reddish flowers which are either
single or in clusters of three. Their preferred habitat is the windward exposed
mountainous slopes. Specimen of Trochetia are found in the collection of the Natural History Museum in Paris and the Kew Gardens in the United Kingdom. Each flower is briefly described.
Trochetia boutoniana
The trochetia boutoniana
is a magnificent shrub with reddish orange flowers reaching about 2 to 3 meters
height. It is confined to Le Morne Brabant Mountain and is classified as
Critically Endangered Species. When Mauritius achieved the status of Republic on 12 March 1992, the Trochetia boutoniana was
declared National Flower. The flower was named after the famous French Botanist
Louis Bouton. Adapted to dry condition, it commonly flowers from June to
October.
Trochetia uniflora
The Trochetia uniflora
is a well branched shrub which bears multiple dark pink, bell shaped flowers
during the period May to June. It can be found on Trois Mamelles, Le Pouce and
Letard Mountains. The uniflora is an endangered endemic Trochetia. One beautiful
specimen is easily observed at the view point of the Black River Gorges.
Trochetia triflora
The Trochetia triflora
is a short endemic tree reaching a height of 5 meters. It derives its name triflora
from its white, relatively large bell shaped flowers grouped in clusters of
three.
It occurs is
high altitude humid forest; growing in exposed windward stations. It flowers
from April to July and can be observed at Trou aux Cerfs, Grand Bassin, Piton Savanne
and Piton de la Petite Rivi?re Noire.
Trochetia parviflora
The Trochetia parviflora
is an endangered endemic shrub first spotted in 1794. In 1863, it was recorded
at Montagne Ory for the last time by naturalist Ayres. The Union for the Conservation of Nature
declared the parviflora extinct. However, in April 2001 it was rediscovered on
Corps de Garde Mountain. It bears pale pink bell shaped flowers facing
upwards. It is now confined exclusively to Corps de Garde Mountain Nature
Reserve. The Forestry Service is keeping close watch to perpetuate its
survival through a scientifically elaborated propagation program.
The FDC illustration
The FDC illustrates the Trochetia blackburniana, the fifth endemic species.
Technical Details
Designer : Rosie Sanders
Printer : Enschede Security Printers
Stamp Size : 27.93 x 44.46 mm
Perforation : 14
Gum : PVA
Paper : Crown Agents Watermarked
Sheet Format : 50 stamps set in 2 panes of 25
Release Date : 18 June 2003
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