Bwa sandal  (Carissa edulis var. sechellensis)

The bwa sandal is a slender-branched tree that bears smooth, glossy, leaves (2) (3). The leaves, which measure up to seven centimetres in length, are dark green on the upper surface and pale beneath (4). At certain times of the year this tree may also be adorned with clusters of white, fragrant, tubular flowers, measuring up to 1.2 centimetres (4), and deep red berries, as large as cherries (3). The specific name, edulis, means edible (5), while sechellensis refers to the only country in which this botanical variety is found.

The bwa sandal occurs on the islands of Silhouette and Aldabra in the Seychelles (4). It used to also occur on Mahé, but became extinct on this island by 1874 (1).

The remaining bwa sandal trees favour rocky habitats, often in exposed areas (2).

Very little appears to be recorded about the biology of the bwa sandal, but information can be deduced from other botanical varieties of Carissa edulis inhabiting other parts of the world. In southern Africa, Carissa edulis flowers from September to December. The flowers, which contain both male and female reproductive organs, (the stamens and carpels), are pollinated by insects. The resulting cherry-like fruits appear on the tree from November until January, and are eventually eaten by animals, dispersing the seeds within the fruit to a new site where germination may occur, and a new plant may begin to grow (5).

The beautiful bwa sandal has been pushed to extreme rarity by felling for the production of aromatic oils, fuelwood (1), and to burn the aromatic wood which has the ability to deter mosquitoes and induce restful sleep (2) (4). In addition, habitat clearance is believed to be the cause of its extinction on Mahé (1). Very few mature bwa sandal trees now remain and this small and restricted population is considered to be in danger of extinction (1).

All remaining populations of the bwa sandal occur within protected areas (1), but there is no information to indicate whether the protection is sufficient and well enough enforced to ensure the bwa sandal's survival.

For further information on the bwa sandal see:

• Wise, R. (1998) A Fragile Eden. Princeton University Press, New Jersey.

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk