Native Plant Propagation Centre (NPPC)

Officer-in-Charge: Mr. V.S.Gopal (Technical Officer) under the supervision of Mr. K. Ruhomaun, Research and Development Officer (Wildlife) Labour Staff: 29 (including Nursery men)
		Native Plant Propagation Centre

The Native Plant Propagation Centre was established in 1997 in Curepipe so as to propagate threatened native and endemic plants in controlled nursery conditions.

The Nursery propagates ferns and critically endangered plants for ex situ conservation and reintroduction into managed areas. It also produces native plants for in-situ restoration projects (e.g. Round Island restoration, Flat Island restoration, restocking of conservation management areas) and for sale to the general public.

The NPPC is at September 2005 propagating some 164 species of the 311 endemic flowering plant sp. These include 26 out of the 52 most endangered species and four plant species, which are represented in the wild by less than 10 individuals. Under the Darwin Initiative Mauritian Rare Fern project in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh a fern propagation facility has been set up.

This includes fern tunnel, and a mist propagation unit. Some 50 species of ferns are being propagated at present.

An Arboretum has been set up as an ex situ reference collection focusing on rare and endangered species.

Moreover, plants propagated in excess are donated to different institutions on request and sold at a fixed price (Rs 50) to the public.

Contact Details
Officer in charge: V S Gopal
Address: Robinson Rd, Curepipe
Tel No: (230) 670 4108
Opening hours: visit on request and during week days only.