Trochetia boutoniana

Trochetia boutoniana

Trochetia boutoniana ( local common name: Boucle d' Oreille ) is a species of the genus Trochetia within the family (Malvaceae ). It is endemic to Mauritius, is recognized since 1992 as the national flower. The specific epithet honors the French botanist Louis Bouton.

Features

Trochetia boutoniana is a xerophytic shrub that can reach a height of 2 to 3 meters. The trunk is very short and branches already at the base. The leaves are ovate - elliptical. Stipules are present. The ear ring blooms with the asymmetric petals have a white background with a dark red venation. The spherical capsule fruit contains about 10 black seeds. The flowering period is from June to October.

Ecology

Trochetia boutoniana produces scarlet nectar. This Day geckos are attracted, which ensure the pollination of nature and simultaneously find protection in the calyx.

Status

Trochetia boutoniana is an endangered species. Due to the few seeds produced regeneration is pretty weak. The hazards include monkeys eat the flower buds that compete with the strawberry guava ( Psidium cattleianum ) to place and sunlight as well as the removal of flowers by plant collectors. The only known occurrence in the wild is on the slopes of Le Morne Brabant in the extreme southwest of Mauritius. Thanks to the efforts of the Mauritian botanist Joseph Gueho the way 1973 could be successfully used for the first time in cultivation.