Bois boeuf – formerly known as Gastonia mauritiana - is a tree endemic to the island of Mauritius. A canopy tree reaching a maximum of six meters, bois boeuf is distinguished by its spongy trunk, thick branches and thick and shiny leaflets.

Polyscias maraisiana, le bois bœuf, anciennement connu sous le nom de Gastonia mauritiana, est un arbre endémique de l’île Maurice. Un arbre à baldaquin atteignant un maximum de six mètres, le bois bœuf se distingue par son tronc spongieux, ses grosses branches et ses folioles épaisses et brillantes.

COMMON NAME: Bois boeuf; Bois papaye. STATUS: Endangered. LOCATION: DESCRIPTION: Small tree reaching 2-3m high, branches crowned, 10-15mm diameter. Leaves slender, 15-30cm long, limb oblong, oblong to elliptical, obtuse at the tip, very asymmetrical and more or less rounded at the base, thin. Inflorescence is in panicles, 15-22cm long, formed ...

This endemic species of Mauritius is found in both intermediate and upland forests generally among dense native vegetation. This species has a small canopy structure. The plant produces terminal flowers which are pollinated by birds and geckos. The fruit are eaten by birds and fruit bats and the seeds are dispersed by the same.

A mature endemic Bois Boeuf (Polyscias maraisiana) tree stands tall in the forest on Ile Aux Aigrettes. Currently critically endangered due to habitat loss, its name is thought to come from its use by the Masked Booby (known locally as Zwaso Boeuf) for nesting.

Bois de Pomme, Bois Boeuf Family: Myrtaceae Origin: Mauritius. Syzygium contractum is a large shrub that can reach 5-10 feet tall and is native to Mauritius. It needs full sun to semi shade, and needs a moderate amount of water for optimal growth and health.

Bois Boeuf, Bois d'Eponge Family: Araliaceae Origin: Mauritius. It is an evergreen, small tree that grows up to 10-20 feet in height with a similar spread, featuring long, sessile, compound leaves made up of 6-15 oblong leaflets. It prefers full sun to semi-shade position, still requiring a good amount of sunlight to thrive.

Mauritius counts 7 strict endemic species. Many of the native trees in Mauritius are unique and some even occur as sole individuals such as the Hurricane Palm on Round Island. Among the natives are the Ebony, the Tambalacoque, Tamaka, Bois Dentelle and a number of palms.

Le bois caf-caf est un arbre des régions humides, confiné aux forêts des régions hautes et humides comme Bassin Blanc, Bel Ombre, Brise Fer, Alexandra Falls, Combo, Piton du Fouge et Macchabé. Bois caf-caf est un petit arbre atteignant 6m de hauteur, dont le tronc peut atteindre 15 cm de diamètre.

This Bois Boeuf Tree (Gastonia mauritiana) was photographed on Iles aux Aigrettes, Mauritius. The tree is distinguished by having long and narrow young leaves at the base (pictured here) while the adult leaves at the top are thick and round.