Botanical Description: The Tree Heliotrope, a common sight in the Maldives, is a small to medium-sized tree reaching a height of 3.6 m (12 ft) and spreading about 5 m (16 ft). Its light green leaves, silvery sheen, and silky texture make it stand out against the sandy beaches and blue skies. Having spent countless hours photographing this natural marvel, I’ve observed its tiny flowers, small fruits, and the light gray/brown, corrugated bark that adds to its coastal charm.
Taxonomy and Distribution:
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Clade: Asterids
- Order: Boraginales
- Family: Boraginaceae
- Genus: Heliotropium
- Species: H. arboreum
- Binomial Name: Heliotropium arboreum (Blanco) Mabb.
- Argusia argentea (L.f.) Heine
- Heliotropium foertherianum Diane & Hilger
- Messerschmidia argentea (L.f.) I.M.Johnst.
- Tournefortia arborea Blanco
- Tournefortia argentea L.f.
Synonyms:
Coastal Protection in the Maldives: Thriving in littoral zones, the Tree Heliotrope plays a crucial role in stabilizing shores, mitigating coastal erosion in the face of sea spray and heavy winds. As a nature lover, witnessing this dynamic interaction between the tree and the coastal environment has been an integral part of my connection with the Maldivian landscape.
A Personal Perspective:
As a nature enthusiast and nature photographer based in the Maldives, my lens has been focused on capturing plants and animals, documenting all aspects of the rich biodiversity that graces these islands. Heliotropium arboreum is also a crucial part of this documentation.
References:
- Razafiniary, V.; Hills, R. (2021). “Heliotropium arboreum”. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T165436903A165436944.en.
- USDA, NRCS. “Tournefortia argentea”. The PLANTS Database.
- Hilger, Hartmut H. (1 December 2003). “A systematic analysis of Heliotropiaceae (Boraginales) based on t”. Botanische Jahrbücher. 125: 19–51. doi:10.1127/0006-8152/2003/0125-0019.
