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 borbonicus

Synonyms

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.

Activities reported in Nastus borbonicus
Activity Supporting sources Consensus
Laxative 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Laxative

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology