Botanical Garden in Pamplemousse

Today, walk and discover a remarkable site of Mauritius: the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden located in Pamplemousse.

Located about 15 km north of the capital Port Louis on the Domaine Mon Plaisir, this garden gathers a multitude of tropical species since 1770.

Lotus Flowers

Our wonder begins with the immaculate splendour of Lotus flowers.

Young white Lotus flower

White or pink, these flowers can reach 35 cm in diameter. They are perched at the end of their stems, which can emerge more than one metre from the surface of the water. Lotus flowers have a very pleasant and subtle fragrance. They open in the morning and close in the evening, but have a very short lifespan... Only a few days!!

Lotus flower

The Lotus flower, so peculiar in its form, symbolizes knowledge. It is often associated with the purity and virtue of man.

It is without a doubt the most precious flower the world knows. Its reputation is known throughout the world. Fascinating, even closed, it becomes magical when it opens to our eyes, carrying within it the radiance of a tremendous purity.

After flowering, the fruits are born, curiously resembling a watering can.

Open Lotus flower

Pink Lotus flower

Giant Turtles

The continuation of the visit brings us to see the giant turtles. They are huge and truly spectacular.

The life expectancy of this species can exceed 100 years.

I thought I heard that one of them was named "Gérard", go and find out why?

Giant turtle

The Palms

Our walk continues along long paths protected from the sun by majestic palm trees.

Palm alley

No less than 95 different species are recorded in this botanical garden. All prettier than the others, they compete with charms to take us to distant lands.

Palmier

In this beautiful afternoon, the song of birds does not leave us. They will be our companions as we walk through the park. The Cardinal, in his beautiful red dress, can be seen from afar.

Cardinal

 

 

 The giant water lilies

 

We arrive at the famous basin of giant water lilies. Their leaves, very large and straightened on their outline, show a purple reverse with long thorns. They don't just happen to be called pie cups by hazard !!

Basin of giant water lilies

Young water lily leaf

The water lily flower is ephemeral. She only lives for two days. It blooms in the night. White for her first day, she turns to violet pink on the second day and fades at the end of it.

Water lily flower 1st day

Water lily flower 2nd day

 

 Exotic Trees

We meet other trees that are just as spectacular because of their originality. A Bamboo forest of more than 15 meters high dominates us, others have trunks made of vines, some tortuous seem to come of Harry Potter's universe.... 

Giant Bamboo forest

 

I don't remember all their names anymore. That's why I hesitate for the next one between "Pelote de Laine" or "Pelote de Liane". The truth is, they' re" Deer Lianes."

Deer Lianes

 

Other Flowers

On the way back, we see other exotic specimens. Flowers, each as remarkable as the other, with flamboyant colors. What we take as "Birds of Paradise" are actually "Crab Claws".

Crab Claws

Domaine Mon Plaisir

Our visit ends in front of the sumptuous mansion of Domaine Mon Plaisir. One can notice the colonial style and the varangue, a veranda typical of the Creole architecture that adorns the front facade of the "houses" ("maisons" in Creole) of the masters.

Domaine Mon Plaisir

I'll allow myself a little criticism of this beautiful place. The almost general absence of signs indicating the different species. That's not what kept me from having a lot of fun on this walk, but some purists might be disappointed.

Here, this discovery Nature ends. I will leave you and tell you soon for new insights into the charms of Mauritius.

Bye

Yves.

Et surtout, ne jamais oublier :

Il vaut mieux être à l'Ile Maurice

que chez Maurice à Lille