26.10.2009

An endemic species of plant thought to be extinct on Mahe has been rediscovered deep in the forest between Cascade and Montagne Planneau, more than a century after it was recorded and collected for the first time.

Schefflera procumbens is an endemic epiphyte which belongs to the family of Araliaceae. It is usually found climbing on the trunks of trees and among rocks or rough cliffs in moist mist forest at altitudes between 400 metres and 700 metres.

The endemic climber is known to be restricted to the northern and central part of Silhouette. Historically, the plant also existed on Mahe, where it was collected at Cascade by Thomasset in 1901, but despite intensive searches in recent years no individual plant was found.

During a recent visit to the forest at Cascade, an individual plant was discovered growing on a Ficus or Lafous by a Belgian botanist. As he broke the news, a second trip was organised with staff from the Botanical Garden to confirm this find.

The trip was not easy as we had to go through old abandoned plantations and through difficult terrain with rocks and caves that resembles the topography of the upper valley of Anse Mondon.

In spite of this, the trip was an enjoyable experience. A number of rare endemic plants in flower, the endemic chameleon and the tree frog were discovered on the trail.

To our surprise, we also found a large population of slugs that can be compared to those of Silhouette, even if individuals are relatively shorter. The environment is similar except for the vegetation, which has been altered by man, evident from the different varieties of agricultural and other exotic species.

According to Denis Matatiken, director general in the Department of Environment, more work is needed. The plant has to be seen in bloom, too, to confirm that it is definitely the same species and not something else. Also more searches are required to confirm the population size and distribution of the species on Mahe.

Our knowledge of this species is limited, and the new finding may provide more opportunities to determine its method of propagation.

Such findings would enable us to propagate the species ex situ with the hope of increasing materials for scientific research at the National Biodiversity Centre.

A contribution of the Botanical Garden Section
Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Transport

Forrás: http://www.nation.sc/index.php?art=17478