Towards a better understanding of Trees and Shrubs of Mauritius and the Indian Ocean Islands
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Date Uploaded:
24 October 2022
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Mauritius and the Islands of the Indian Ocean are known to be a biodiversity hotspot. Many of the plants making up the local flora are endemic and exist there and nowhere else in the world.
This rich flora, comprising both exotic and endemic species, has amongst others been used as ornamental and medicinal. However, in spite of these applications, they remain unknown to the public at large. It is also a fact that the flora of island states, in general, is threatened. Conservation efforts will only be successful if the public at large is made aware of the potential of these plants and learn to appreciate their values as well as their vulnerability.
This book has been designed to help the amateur identify the plants of Mauritius and Indian Ocean Islands and appreciate their value. Each plant monograph gives the common name, a short botanical description, the origin and habitat of the plant as well as the etymology of the plant name. Icons have been inserted in the text so as to further facilitate the reader in appreciating the potential values of these plants. Over 700 photos illustrate some 400 plants used for many diverse applications.