Crinum mauritianum
Crinum mauritianum is a herbaceous plant belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae, and endemic to Mauritius.
Description
Crinum mauritianum has long, narrow, stiff leaves, that are initially held erect and often curve upwards. The leaves are light green, and strongly canaliculate on the upper, adaxial side.Distribution and rediscovery
Formerly widespread across the wetter areas of Mauritius, it was believed to be extinct, but was rediscovered in 1973, near Midlands Dam.It has become an ornamental in Mauritius, frequently used in landscaping, due to its white flowers and partially succulent, upwards curving leaves.
It can therefore easily be confused with the non-native species Crinum asiaticum, which is also used for public landscaping in Mauritius. However, that species has broader, strap-shaped leaves. The narrow, stiffer, often upturned leaves of C.mauritianum are relatively unique and can be used to distinguish it from the introduced species of Crinum.