With nearly 160 endemic plants, the flora of Reunion Island is a veritable treasure trove. Trees, plants and flowers of different colours flourish all over the island’s pitons, plains and ramparts. The fertile volcanic soil combined with the warn trade winds create the perfect growing conditions for this floral paradise. The humidity in the Land of Eden means this region has the most dense, rich and luxuriant vegetation on the island. Visiting adventurers will be bowled over by the colours and scents. Step into this blossom filled world with our 4 photos of the vegetation in the East of Reunion Island.
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Tropical gardens
Brightly coloured spikes dot the island’s tropical gardens. It would appear that Heliconia rostrata, whose flowers look like lobster claws, thrives in the island’s rich climate and soil. Its bright red and yellow flowers are utterly gorgeous. Various smells mingle with the colourful petals. Sweet scents go hand in hand with the explosion of colours. Mango and lychee trees loom over this tropical vegetation typical of Reunion Island. Their juicy fruits are a tasty treat for adventurers strolling under their branches.
A hike between the fanjans
Fanjans, the Creole term for tree ferns, flourish all over the island. Their curled up centres, tentative at first, gradually open up to let large glossy green leaves unfurl. Some grow on the ground while others soar toward the sky offering shade to those curious enough to venture under their branches. Fanjans are a typical feature of the landscapes in the East Highlands and you will come across them everywhere hiking in the Land of Eden.
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Stroll in
The gardens of the island!
Végétation forêt de la roche écrite|
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In the land of the guava trees
Originally a guest, guava trees have now taken root in the island’s soil much to the delight of its inhabitants. They occupy a key place amidst the endemic vegetation of Reunion Island to such an extent that you see them growing wild along the paths in the Highlands of the Land of Eden. The small red fruits appear at the start of the austral winter and now you can pick your own in private orchards. For a few euros and an enjoyable walk, you will leave with several bags full of this red booty. Guavas are now an integral part of the island’s culinary culture and can be tasted in jam, jelly, juice, sorbet and cakes or… straight from the tree.
Bébour-Bélouve forest
In the East Highlands, climbing towards Plaine des Palmistes, Col de Bébour gives way to the biggest and most majestic untouched forest in Reunion Island: Bébour-Bélouve National Forest. In this enchanting wood teeming with vegetation, the leaves of the trees brush against explorers. Amidst the Japanese cedars and highland tamarinds firmly rooted in the volcanic massif of Piton des Neiges, visitors have to duck and dive to make their way between the branches. The trees finally clear to give way to a viewpoint of the awe-inspiring Trou de Fer, a 300 metre deep gorge which is home to waterfalls with a total drop of 725 metres. The noise of the wind in the leaves and the water shooting into the void create a harmonious symphony that explorers can hear throughout their walk.
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