Around Bushhouse you can find several plants and trees typical of the eastern tropical forest of Madgascar.
Ravinala Palm – Ravenala madagascariensis
The Ravinala Palm is the national symbol of Madagascar and is found everywhere on the island. Since its branches collect water, it is known as the Travellers Tree, providing water for thirsty travellers. Secondly, this tree simplifies orientation based on its leaf positioning. The tree growth follows the sun’s movement from east to west. The Ravinala is most frequently used for constructing walls and roofs of typical Malagasy homes. Since the population is growing and houses often need replacing every ten years, there is a constant demand for this building material.
Madagascar Pitcher Plant – Nepenthes Madagascariensis
The Madagascar Pitcher Plant is also unique to Madagascar and can be found in abundance around a lake within walking distance of Bushhouse. This insect eating plant produces impressive pitchers that collect water. Insects and other small creatures can not hold onto the sides of the slippery surface and fall into the pitcher, where a strong digestive fluid breaks down the tissue of the plants prey.
Golden Cane Palm – Dypsis lutescens
The Golden Cane Palm also known as Butterfly Palm is native to Madagascar. Unfortunately it is endangered and very rare. Six to eight yellow/green leafs arise from the main trunk and gracefully arch outwards and downwards.
The palm can reach a height of 10 metres and often has several trunks, thus giving the impression of several palm trees.
Raphia Palm – Raphia farinifera
Raphia Palm grows by rivers and lakes and can be found around Bushhouse too. This very spectacular palm has the largest leaves of all palms and a trunk reaching up to 15-20 metres. Its leaves are used for traditional roofing or for the production of a very strong fiber, of which clothing, handbags and baskets are made. Raphia is also exported worldwide and used for construction, furniture or making of strong palmwine.
Black Orchid – Cymbidiella falcigera
1000 different species of orchids can be found on Madagascar, amongst which 85% are unique to the island. New species are being discovered every year. The rare Black Orchid grows mostly in the eastern rain forest. From December to January it blooms with lime-green and black flowers. Traditional slash-and-burn agriculture as well as collecting by orchid growers has made this plant an endangered species.
Comet Orchid – Angraecum sesquipedale
The endemic Comet Orchid, originally discovered by Charles Darwin, can easily be found around Bushhouse. It is a luminous white orchid that blooms from July to September. Its particular perfume attracts a night-flying giant species of long-tongued hawk moth; a butterfly-like invertebrate able to pollinate the flowers nectar within its 30cm trunk, accessible to no other pollinating insect or birds.
Madagascar Periwinkle – Catharanthus roseus
The Madagascar Periwinkle is an evergreen herb with glossy, dark green leaves which flowers in pale pink all summer long. In Madagascar, extracts have been used for hundreds of years in herbal medicine. The plant has gained interest from the pharmaceutical industry as its medicinal properties have shown to be an effective treatment for advanced breast cancer and leukaemia. When chewed it helps fight hunger sensations and tiredness.
