Cultivated Plants
Lecythidaceae
Barringtonia asiatica (L.) Kurz
Bishop's cap tree
Native to Asia.
Tree on beach by the old El Pirata Restaurant, Vieux Fort. Now gone.
Also disappeared at Piaye and River D'Oree. One specimen observed on private land in Laborie (pers. comm. Garvey Charlemagne,2026).
Beach tree whose fruits spread in the ocean so it is likely that this species is/was also naturalized. Possibly planted and then spread locally or spread naturally from surrounding islands where it is naturalized.
Traditionally used to stun fish in Asia, especially the seeds which are rich in toxic saponins. Also a traditional use at River D'Oree (pers. comm. Garvey Charlemagne,2026).
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