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PALMISTE BOUCLE
Common Name: Palmiste bouclé
Scientific Name: Tectiphiala ferox
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (CR) A1ac+2ce, B1+2e, C1+2ab, D ver 2.3 (1994)
This heavily armoured palm is covered with 150mm long stiff grey-black spines that protect the palm heart from predation. It is one of three palm species native to Mauritius. There are currently thought to be fewer than 20 adult palmiste bouclé in the wild.
Why is this species important?
The tree has no commercial value, although it was once harvested for its heart.
Where is it found?
Tectiphiala is a monospecific genus endemic to Mauritius. This heavily armoured monoecious palm grows at a height of 500-650 metres above sea level, at two localities on the central plateau of Mauritius, namely: Crown Land Declerc near Mare Longue and Bois Sec. Both of these areas are protected reserves and are home to the last herds of Java deer. Heavy rainfall in both of these areas makes the area extremely marshy and hard to reach.
Why is it threatened?
In the past the tree was harvested for its heart, a local delicacy. Harvesting from the wild does not occur any more, although there is no specific legislation to prevent this.
There is no regeneration of this species in the wild. Fruits are eaten by monkeys and pigs (even within conservation management areas) and successful establishment of seeds is limited by seed predators and competition from weeds.
What conservation action is being carried out?
The palm is difficult to cultivate as it has specific habitat requirements, but seeds from the palm have been collected and plants grown in the government nursery, as well as other botanic gardens. So far several plants have been reintroduced successfully to Conservation Management Areas (small fenced and weeded forest plots).
Local contacts:
The Chair, National Threatened Plants Technical Committee, National Parks and Conservation Service, Ministry of Agriculture, FT & NR, Réduit, Mauritius
Selected references:
http://www.pacsoa.org.au/palms/Tectiphiala/ferox.html (accessed August 2010)
Bosser, J., Cadet, Th., Julien, H.R. and Marais, W. Flore des Mascareignes. The Sugar Research Institute, Mauritiu, ORSTOM, Paris, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
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