The tambalacoque ( Sideroxylon grandiflorum ) is a tree of a great longevity of the family of the Sapotaceae , endemic of the Mauritius. It is known for the fact that its seeds can germinate only after ingestion by a Oiseau.

In 1973, one established that the species was in the process of disappearance. It did not remain whereas 13 specimens, all 300 years old. Vis-a-vis this irrefutable fact, the American professor Stanley Temple defended the explanation according to which only the ingestion of seeds of tambalacoque by the dodo of the Mauritius, disappeared the 17th century, could allow their germination.

It was shown thereafter that one could arrive at the same result by making them eat by American Dindon S. If those are hardly interested by the fruits of the tambalacoque one, they are indeed tried by seeds. These last germinate after being last in their gizzard.

In addition, the necessary intervention of the dodo in the natural process of germination was disputed, certain authors estimating that the alleged disappearance of the tree had been exaggerated, others suggesting that several tortoise S, pteropodidé S or Perroquet S missing natives took part before in the dispersion of seeds.

Experts of the natural environment mascarin, Strahm and Cheke especially established that if the tambalacoques ones are indeed rather rare, of many specimens pushed since the disappearance of the dodo, not only thirteen. The rarefaction of the tree could be due to competition with the other plants and the introduction of Cochon S savages and Singe S into the island. In any case, of the manual techniques obtaining since then the Germination seeds of the tambalacoque one allow. The species is thus safe, even if the new specimens did not give seeds yet.

Synonyms

• Calvaria will grandiflora (A.DC.) Dubard
• Sapota lessertii A.DC
• Sideroxylon annithomae Aubrév.
• Sideroxylon lessertii (A.DC.) Baker

Additional details

• Endémisme in Mauritius.

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