Savurua Botanical Gardens is 100% committed to conserving Fijian plant species especially endangered endemic trees. We fully appreciate that this involves working with local communities to conserve endangered plant species/populations in situ as well as long term ex situ conservation of genetically diverse germplasm in our botanical gardens and in secure seed storages such as SPC’s Centre for Pacific Crops and Trees tree seed bank in Narere, Suva and the Millennium Seed Bank in UK.
We also understand that considerable research needs to be undertaken to better document the current status of endangered Fijian plant species, the threats and measures to address these, basic biological information including seed storage behaviour, propagation, genetic structure and diversity, life history and ecological requirements.
Savurua is working with Fijian communities, NGOs and Government Departments to address knowledge gaps, and undertake research in areas in which it has a comparative advantage and interest such as endangered conifers, ecological keystone species, and endemic Fijian plants with untapped horticultural potential including many species of palms, ferns, orchids and beautiful flowering shrubs and trees.
Initially Savurua’s research and conservation efforts are being focused on:
| Latin Name | Local Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Acacia mathuatensis | Macuata tataqia | Rare, presumed endangered |
| Acmopyle sahniana | drautabua | Critically endangered |
| Endemic Fijian Balaka species | balaka | Critically endangered (e.g. B. macrocarpa) |
| Cynometra falcata | cibicibi | Endangered |
| Dacrydium nausoriense | Nausori Highlands yaka | Critically endangered |
| Endemic Dendrobium species | Orchids with many local names | Some endangered |
| Elaeocarpus storckii | gaigai, qaiqai | Rare |
| Endemic Fijian Gardenia species | Tiare, tiere, seni jale | Endangered (e.g. G. candida) |
| Geissois superba | Vure | Rare |
| Hibiscus storckii | Storck’s Hibiscus, segelu | Critically endangered |
| Hibiscus mcverryi sp. nov. | Ruby Rose | Critically endangered |
| Endemic Fijian Medinilla species | Many local names | Endangered (e.g. M. spectabilis) |
| Metroxylon vitiensis | Coral Coast Sago Palm, soga | Endangered |
| Neoveitchia storckii | vuleito | Endangered |
| Santalum yasi | Fijian sandalwood, yasi dina | Endangered |
| Storckiella vitiensis | marasa, vesida, gadi | Rare |
Savurua Botanical Gardens is a mecca for endemic Fijian forest birds: intact and diverse lowland tropical forest
Most of Fiji’s rich flora and its 476 plant genera have been derived from and are shared with the island of New Guinea and south-east Asia to the west.
The majestic Fijian sago palm (Metroxylon vitiense) or soga, pronounced songa in Fijian, is an endangered palm unique to Fiji.
Are you passionate about creating a greener, lusher Fiji? Donate to our conservation initiatives & help protect Fiji’s indigenous flora, fauna & rainforests. It’s a green ‘thumbs up’ for Fiji!
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