CHRISTMAS TREES

By F.Mohit, forestry_mauritius

The Forestry Service has maintained this old tradition of supplying X-mas trees at a nominal price to meet the local demand.  In Mauritius, Pine is the favourite evergreen tree used because of its scent.  However, some people prefer Araucaria or Cypress.  X-mas trees are decorated with lights and ornaments as a part of Christmas festivities. These trees can be fresh-cut, potted, or artificial and are used as both indoor and outdoor decorations. While the trees are traditionally associated with Christian symbolism, their modern use is largely secular and adopted by all sections of the population in Mauritius. Children love to collect their presents at the foot of a well decorated X-mas tree on the 25^th of December.

Sale of X-mas trees at Curepipe Nursery-Southern Range

The sale of X-mas trees has declined over the years from some 12,000 trees in the 1990s to only some 1,000 trees at present.  This is due to a shift from fresh-cut Pine to artificial trees which can be used for many years and thus cheaper.  More and more people are using potted trees, especially Araucaria and Cypress, which can be used as X-mas trees for at least four or five years. Nowadays people are more conscious of the environment and prefer more eco-friendly practices such as purchasing a potted X-mas tree or an artificial one.

Pine are planted under High Tension Lines for X-mas trees

Forestry_mauritius takes this opportunity to wish everybody a merry X-mas and a happy new Year 2019.  May the new year bring prosperity, success and innovative ideas to the Forestry Service, its staff and members of the public.