- Medinilla waterhousei
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Tagimaucia 240px Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida 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]
Contents
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.[3]
References
Notes
Sources
- Stanley, David (2004). Moon Handbooks South Pacific. Author. pp. 788. ISBN 1566914116.
- Dunn, Elton. "Tagimaucia". Tropical Plants in Fiji. gardenguides.com. http://www.gardenguides.com/125390-tropical-plants-fiji.html. Retrieved 2011-04-28.
- "Fiji Facts". http://www.fiji-faqs.com/index.cfm/island/12/taveuni.html.
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