Medinilla waterhousei

Tagimaucia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Melastomataceae
Genus: Medinilla
Species: M. waterhousei
Binomial name
Medinilla waterhousei
Seem.

Medinilla waterhousei, commonly known as tagimaucia or tagimoucia (tahng-ee-mow-theea), is a species of flowering plant in the family Melastomataceae which is endemic to highland rainforest of the Fijian island of Taveuni. It is a liana bearing crimson and white flowers in 30 cm-long hanging clusters. It only grows at altitudes of over 600 m, flowering from October to December. The flower is the floral emblem of Fiji.[1][2] The flower is now represented on the Fiji $50 note replacing the queen.

Legend

A local romantic legend attached to the flower has it representing the tears of a young girl forbidden by her father to marry the boy of her dreams so as she wept her tears became the flower.[3]

References

  1. Dunn, Elton. "Tagimaucia". Tropical Plants in Fiji. gardenguides.com. Retrieved 2011-04-28.
  2. Stanley, David (2004). Moon Handbooks South Pacific. Author. p. 788. ISBN 1-56691-411-6.
  3. "Fiji Facts".


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