Psiloxylon

Psiloxylon mauritianum (known locally as "bois bigaignon") is a species of flowering plant, the sole species of the genus Psiloxylon. It is endemic to the Mascarene Islands (Mauritius and Réunion) in the Indian Ocean.

Psiloxylon
Psiloxylon mauritianum tree growing in Vallée de Ferney reserve, Mauritius.
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Subfamily: Psiloxyloideae
Tribe: Psiloxyleae
A.J.Scott
Genus: Psiloxylon
Thouars ex Tul.
Species:
P. mauritianum
Binomial name
Psiloxylon mauritianum
(Bouton ex Hook.f.) Baill.
Synonyms

Fropiera mauritiana Bouton ex Hook. f.

It is a white-barked evergreen tree, bearing essential oils. It is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate individuals. It is traditionally used as a medicinal plant, and appears contain compounds that inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus.

It was formerly placed alone in family Psiloxylaceae, but is now considered a basal member of the family Myrtaceae.

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