A Garden Like No Other
Join us in exploring our enchanting park where plants thrive and every visit is a new adventure for kids and families alike. Learn about our conservation efforts and how you can help preserve the environment.
Our Living Collection
Journey through our living collection of endemic and indigenous plants. Learn how these rare species thrive and why their conservation matters for future generations.
Bois D'ébène Noir (Black Ebony) - Diospyros tessellaria: This species is endemic to
Mauritius, meaning it grows naturally nowhere else in the world; the Dutch began exploiting
these ebony forests commercially in 1638, though the species was not formally scientifically
described until 1804.
Bois de Ronde - Erythroxylum macropum: This small tree is endemic to Mauritius (unique to the island) and grows in humid forests of the southwestern region, though the exact year of its scientific description is not well-documented in available sources.
Dracaena - Dracaena concinna: This species is endemic to Mauritius, meaning it naturally occurs only on this island; it was scientifically described by botanist Kunth in 1850, and remains a rare component of the island's unique native flora.
Camélia - Camellia sinensis: Native to southeast China where it was first discovered and used to produce tea three thousand years ago; initially placed in genus Thea by Linnaeus, then merged into Camellia by Robert Sweet in 1818, making it a naturalized species in Mauritius rather than endemic.
Bois de Pomme - Syzygium glomeratum: This species is endemic to Mauritius, found in intermediate and higher elevation forests including Petrin Reserve and Maccabé forest; it was scientifically described by De Candolle in 1828, making it unique to the island and found nowhere else in the world.
Bois de Fer - Sideroxylon grandiflorum: This species is endemic to Mauritius, meaning it naturally occurs only on this island; it was scientifically described by De Candolle in 1844, and is also known as the tambalacoque or dodo tree, making it unique to Mauritius and found nowhere else in the world.
Latanier - Latania loddigesii: This species is endemic to Mauritius, where the only remaining populations are now located on offshore islands; it was scientifically described by Martius in 1838, making it unique to Mauritius and found nowhere else in the world.
Bois de Poupart - Poupartia pubescens: This species is endemic to the Mascarene Islands, occurring naturally in dry lowland and intermediate forests of Mauritius; it was scientifically described by Marchand in 1869, making it unique to this region and found nowhere else in the world.
Palmiste Bouteille (Bottle Palm) - Hyophorbe lagenicaulis: This species is endemic to Round Island off northern Mauritius, making it one of the world's rarest palms; it gets its name from its distinctive bottle-shaped trunk and was first described scientifically in 1868, narrowly escaping extinction through conservation efforts.
Cordyline - Cordyline mauritiana: This species is endemic to Mauritius and was once abundant in the island's forests; it features striking palm-like foliage and was traditionally used by locals for fiber and thatching, though habitat loss has significantly reduced its wild populations since the 18th century
Bois Jaune (Yellow Wood) - Ochrosia borbonica: This species is native to Mauritius and Réunion, valued historically for its dense yellowish timber; it produces distinctive paired fruits and white fragrant flowers, and while once common in coastal and lowland forests, it has become increasingly rare due to deforestation and habitat conversion.
Hibiscus - Hibiscus liliiflorus: This species is endemic to Mauritius and Réunion, distinguished by its delicate lily-like flowers that are typically white or pale pink; once widespread in the island's forests, it has become critically endangered in the wild due to habitat destruction, though it remains popular in cultivation for its ornamental beauty.
Swailine/Eranthème - Eranthemum nervosum: This species is native to Mauritius and features distinctive blue-purple tubular flowers with prominent veined leaves; it was commonly found in the island's understory vegetation and has been used in traditional medicine, though its wild populations have declined due to forest clearance and the spread of invasive species.
Ixora - Ixora borboniae: This species is native to Mauritius and Réunion, displaying clusters of small tubular flowers in shades of white, pink, or red; it thrives in the island's forests and has been valued both as an ornamental plant and in traditional practices, though wild populations face pressure from habitat loss and competition with invasive species.
Araucaria (Norfolk Island Pine) - Araucaria heterophylla: This species is native to Norfolk Island in the Pacific Ocean, not Mauritius, but was introduced to the island during the 19th century; it is prized for its distinctive symmetrical tiered branches and has become a popular ornamental tree in Mauritius, commonly planted in gardens, parks, and along coastal areas for its striking architectural form.
Croton/Peperomia - Peperomia borbonensis: This species is native to Mauritius and Réunion, characterized by its small succulent leaves and compact growth habit; it typically grows as an epiphyte or on rocks in the island's humid forests, and while not heavily exploited historically, it faces threats from habitat degradation and the collection of wild specimens for ornamental use.
Goyavier (Guava) - Psidium cattleianum: This species is native to Brazil but was introduced to Mauritius in the 19th century, where it quickly naturalized and spread aggressively; while valued for its sweet edible fruits, it has become one of the island's most problematic invasive species, outcompeting native vegetation and threatening endemic flora in forests and nature reserves.
Water Pear - Syzygium samarangense: This species is native to Southeast Asia but was introduced to Mauritius during the colonial period for its crisp, watery fruits; it thrives in the island's tropical climate and has become naturalized in some areas, commonly cultivated in gardens and orchards, though it poses less of an invasive threat compared to other introduced fruit trees.
Olivier de Madagascar (Madagascar Olive) - Noronhia emarginata: This species is native to Madagascar but was introduced to Mauritius, where it has adapted well to the island's climate; it produces small olive-like fruits and dense foliage, and while originally planted as an ornamental and for potential fruit production, it has become invasive in some forest areas, competing with native vegetation.
Manguiers (Mango) - Mangifera indica: This species is native to South Asia but was introduced to Mauritius by Dutch and French colonizers in the 17th and18th centuries; prized for its delicious fruits, it became a staple in Mauritian agriculture and culture, with numerous varieties now cultivated across the island, though it has also naturalized in some forest areas.
Combava (Kaffir Lime) - Citrus hystrix: This species is native to Southeast Asia but was introduced to Mauritius during the colonial era; highly valued for its aromatic leaves and distinctively bumpy fruits used in Mauritian Creole cuisine, it has become an essential ingredient in local cooking, commonly grown in home gardens though it remains less widespread than other citrus varieties.
Bananier (Banana Plant) - Musa species: This species is native to Southeast Asia but was introduced to Mauritius centuries ago, likely by early Arab or Portuguese traders; it quickly became a vital food crop for the island, with multiple varieties now cultivated for both fruit and cooking, and while primarily grown in plantations and gardens, it has also naturalized in some humid forest areas.
Raisinier Bord de Mer (Sea Grape) - Coccoloba uvifera: This species is native to tropical Americas and the Caribbean but was introduced to Mauritius in the 20th century for coastal landscaping; it thrives in sandy, saline conditions and produces grape-like clusters of edible fruits, becoming common along beaches and in coastal gardens, though it has shown some invasive tendencies in certain areas.
L'avocatier (Avocado Tree) - Persea americana: This species is native to Central America and Mexico but was introduced to Mauritius in the 19th century by colonial planters; valued for its nutritious fruits, it has become widely cultivated across the island in gardens and small orchards, adapting well to the tropical climate, though it requires significant water and has naturalized in some upland forest areas.
Jasmin Étoilé (Star Jasmine) - Trachelospermum jasminoides: This species is native to China and Japan but was introduced to Mauritius during the colonial period as an ornamental climber; prized for its intensely fragrant white starshaped flowers, it became popular in gardens and along fences throughout the island, thriving in the tropical climate though remaining primarily cultivated rather than invasive.
Barleria - Barleria cristata: This species is native to South Asia but was introduced to Mauritius in the 19th century as an ornamental hedge plant; known for its tubular purple, white, or pink flowers and ease of cultivation, it became widely planted in gardens and roadsides, and while it has naturalized in some areas, it remains a popular choice for low-maintenance landscaping.
Sapin (Pine/Norfolk Island Pine) - Araucaria heterophylla: This species is native to Norfolk Island in the Pacific Ocean but was introduced to Mauritius in the 19th century as an ornamental tree; valued for its distinctive symmetrical tiered branches and ability to thrive in coastal conditions, it became widely planted in parks, gardens, and along seafronts, becoming an iconic feature of the island's landscape.
Pied d'éléphant (Ponytail Palm/Elephant's Foot) - Beaucarnea recurvata:This species is native to semi-desert regions of Mexico but was introduced to Mauritius in the 20th century as an ornamental plant; characterized by its distinctive swollen trunk base resembling an elephant's foot and long cascading leaves, it became popular in gardens and landscaping for its drought tolerance and unique sculptural appearance.
Socotrine (Purple Aloe) - Aloe succotrina: This species is native to South Africa but was introduced to Mauritius during the colonial period, possibly in the 18th or 19th century; valued for its medicinal properties and striking red-orange flowers, it adapted well to the island's climate and became naturalized in rocky, dry coastal areas, often used in traditional remedies and ornamental gardens.
Mandrinette - Fortunella species: This species is native to China but was introduced to Mauritius during the 19th century by Chinese laborers and traders; producing small orange-like fruits with sweet edible skin, it became popular in home gardens and markets, valued for both fresh eating and preserves, though it remains less commercially cultivated than other citrus varieties on the island.
Bois de Guiollette - Foetidia mauritiana: This species is endemic to Mauritius and was once abundant in the island's mountain forests; known for its hard, durable timber used in traditional construction and boat-building, it has become increasingly rare since the 18th century due to overexploitation and habitat loss, now surviving primarily in protected upland forest reserves.
Bois d'Olive (Olive Wood) - Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata: This species is native to Africa but naturally occurs in Mauritius, where it was historically widespread in upland forests; prized for its extremely hard, fine-grained timber used in furniture and construction, it suffered heavy exploitation from the 17th century onward, and while some populations remain in protected areas, it is now relatively uncommon in the wild.
Café Marron (Brown Coffee) - Ramosmania rodriguesii: This species is endemic to Rodrigues Island, part of the Mascarene archipelago with Mauritius; it became extinct in the wild by the 1950s with only a single cultivated individual surviving until 1980, making it one of the world's rarest plants, though recent propagation efforts have established new populations, preventing its complete extinction.
Bois de Rouvette (Hopbush) - Dodonaea viscosa: This species is native to Mauritius and widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions; valued historically for its hard wood used in tool handles and construction, it thrives in disturbed areas and coastal zones, and while never heavily threatened, it has become less prominent in native forests due to competition from invasive species introduced since the colonial period.
Endemic Plants Matter
Join us in exploring and protecting Mauritius’ rare endemic plants. These living treasures offer incredible benefits for our island, our health, and future generations. Learn how you can help preserve this unique botanical heritage.
Purifying the Air
Our endemic plants naturally filter pollutants and produce oxygen, creating cleaner, healthier air for our community and wildlife.
Health Benefits
Many endemic species possess medicinal properties used in traditional healing practices, offering natural remedies passed down through generations.
Creating Habitats
These plants support local ecosystems by providing essential food and shelter for Mauritius' unique wildlife and endangered species.
Educational Opportunities
Engaging with our endemic flora fosters environmental awareness and teaches visitors about conservation, biodiversity, and ecological balance.
Aesthetic Appeal
From vibrant flowers to striking foliage, our endemic plants showcase the natural beauty that makes Mauritius truly unique.
Environmental Impact
Preserving endemic plants helps maintain biodiversity, prevents soil erosion, and contributes to sustainable tourism and ecological stability.
Support Our Mission to Protect Wildlife
Your donations and volunteer efforts make a real difference. Help us care for the animals and maintain our beautiful grounds. Whether you choose to donate or lend a hand, every bit of support counts in our mission to safeguard our environment and the unique species that call it home.