Mauritius has over 700 species of indigenous plants and has over 60 orchid species alone. The island is the second largest supplier of tropical blooms and cut flowers to the trade after the Netherlands! It's lush tropical vegetation and volcanic origins provided perfect growing conditions for many flowers and plants.
Many plants here are almost extinct. There are now less than 2% left of their original natural habitats and introduced animals and other plants compete with them for survival. The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation works with the national parks and conservation and forestry services on the island to protect the flora.
The SSR Botanical Gardens at Pampelmousse in the north of the island are worth a visit and has a large collection of exotic plants including the famous Giant Victoria Amazonica water lilly and many palms.
Tropical fruits are grown on the island both for local use and export.
When Mauritius became a Republic in 1992, the Trochetia Boutoniana became the national flower, named after a famous French botanist and it is found only in one wild location.
