Reunion bamboo
Nastus borbonicus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Reunion bamboo, scientifically known as Nastus borbonicus, is a resilient perennial grass native to the tropical landscapes of Réunion Island. Renowned for its dense, spreading habit, this plant plays a vital role in stabilizing soil and supporting local biodiversity, offering unique ecological benefits within its specialized island habitat.
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Bambusa Alpina · Nastus Paniculatus · 1 more
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Nastus borbonicusSynonyms
- Bambusa alpina
- Nastus paniculatus
- Stemmatospermum verticillatum
Regional and Traditional Names
French:
- Calumet (bambou)
- Calumet
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Nastus borbonicus, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Poales. Finally, it is a member of the family Poaceae and the genus Nastus.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Nastus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant, known scientifically as Nastus borbonicus, exhibits a very specific and limited geographical distribution. It is primarily found within the unique ecosystems of the Western Indian Ocean. Specifically, its documented presence is concentrated on the island of Réunion. This restricted range suggests that the species may be endemic to this particular volcanic territory. Consequently, its natural habitat is confined to this singular oceanic location.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Western Indian Ocean | Réunion |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Botanical Identification
Morphology
The morphology of Nastus borbonicus is characterized by its specialized growth habit and ecological positioning. It functions as a self-supporting climber, utilizing its structural development to ascend without requiring external hosts for physical stability. In terms of its nutritional strategy, the plant is entirely independent, operating as a non-parasitic organism that does not rely on other plants for sustenance. Furthermore, despite its climbing capabilities, it is primarily terrestrial in nature rather than being an epiphyte, establishing its root systems and growth patterns within the soil of its natural habitat.
- Climber :
- self-supporting
- Epiphyte :
- terrestrial
- Parasite :
- independent
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Activities
Nastus borbonicus has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Laxative.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Laxative | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Laxative
- Journal of ethnopharmacology