Trochetia Flower
Trochetia Boutoniana (Boucle d'Oreille) was declared the National Flower on the 12th March 1992, when Mauritius achieved the status of Republic. Named after the famous French botanist, Louis Bouton, it is endemic to Mauritius and is found in only one locality in the wild. It is a magnificent shrub reaching about 2-3 metres in height, with reddish-orange flowers. Adapted to dry condition, it commonly flowers from June to October.
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 Rivière 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.