Trees, owers and other plants beautify our environment. Are we taking care of
them? Let us nd out.
A very long time ago, before people came to live in Mauritius, the whole island was covered
with forest. There were many endemic plants.
What is an endemic plant?
An endemic plant is a tree which exists or existed only in one place and nowhere else in
the world.
Figure 20 shows some endemic plants of Mauritius
Group Discussion
The Trochetia, our National Flower, is an endemic plant.
(i) Find out if there is a Trochetia plant in your school yard.
(ii) Find out the names of other endemic plants.
(iii) Find out where they grow.
Figure 20 - Endemic plants of Mauritius
Ebony Tree Trochetia Plant
Activity
ENDEMIC PLANTS
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