Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Hibiscus boryanus

Hibiscus boryanus | Foulsapate marron, Mahot bâtard | Photo: Bruno Navez, Réunion island

Lilibiscus is a small section of the genus Hibiscus that contains about 10 species, native to islands of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. These were the species used in the development of the Hibiscus rosa-sinenis varieties found today. Hibiscus boryanus is an endangered and protected species. It is a small tree up to a height of 8m, endemic to the Mascarene Islands (Mauritius and Réunion). Flowers range from orange to red. It prefers locations with year-round moisture but not in excessive amounts. Hibiscus boryanus is a rare but is being reintroduced to the wild by the National Parks and Conservation Service of Mauritius.



Historical Reference Le bois d'Hibiscus boryanus DC, ("foulsapate morron", "mahot batârd"): Arbuste ou petit arbre rare atteignant 8m de haut au fût atteignant 20cm de diamètre, endémique de l'île de la Réunion et l'île Maurice, était autrefois utilisé en construction. Une tisane de feuilles se prenait jadis contre la toux et les feuilles étaient utilisées en bain contre les douleurs rénales.

   Bois d'oeuvre 1, Volume 7
   D. Louppe, A.A. Oteng-Amoako, M. Brink
   Published by PROTA, 2008


Translation: The wood of Hibiscus boryanus DC, ("Foulsapate Morron", "Mahot Batârd"): A rare bush or small tree attaining 8m in height, the trunk attaining 20cm in diameter. Endemic to the island of Réunion and the island Mauritius, in the past it was used for building construction. An herbal tea of leaves was once used for coughs, and leaves were also used in a bath for renal pain.