Height:  up to 10 metres
Conservation Status:  Critically Endangered

Introduction
The jellyfish tree is considered to be one of the rarest trees in the world, with only a handful of specimens still remaining.  Until the 1970s, it was thought that the jellyfish tree was completely extinct.  Following the discovery of a few individual trees, it was evident that the species was on the very brink of extinction. 

Mahé is the only place in the world that the Jellyfish tree can be found.  They grow in rocky fissures on large granitic outcrops.  They are generally found in sporadic locations around the island, either in small groups or alone. 

Despite Mahé's large size, sadly the jellyfish tree population is finding it hard to multiply.  After some considerable research, it has come to light that the seeds from the jellyfish tree are unable to germinate in the wild.  It has been suggested by some that the tree requires more humid conditions.

The name 'Jellyfish' tree derived from the fact that the flowers it produces uncannily resemble the shape of a jellyfish.

It had been estimated that there is a population of approximately 50 jellyfish trees in existence today.  It is also evident that the jellyfish tree has come under immense pressure from other tree species of which it finds it hard to compete with. 

Identification
Jellyfish trees can reach up to 10 metres in height and consist of a dense, rounded crown of foliage.  Its leaves, which can grow up to 8 cm in length, have slightly scalloped edge and a shiny and leathery appearance.  As the tree ages, the leaves turn bright red in colour. It has a fairly dark coloured bark, containing a variety of deep fissures. 

The trees produce small white flowers, although these can be difficult to see amidst all the dense foliage.   The flowers each have various stamens and as such, the Jellyfish tree has been likened on occasions to the Greek mythological figure, Medusa, of who had snakes for hair, hence the name Medusagyne. 

The jellyfish tree also produces its own fruit, of which are green and rounded on appearance.  When the fruit ages, its skin turns reddish brown, dries up and eventually exposes its seeds which are then distributed by the wind.