The cheval tree is native to North Island, part of the Agaléga Islands,[1] a territory of Mauritius. It is unique in its properties of minor adhesivity, which attracts insects: specifically, heelwalkers (belonging to the Mantophasmatodea) or Formosozoros newi (belonging to the Zoraptera). The tree was named for the glue-like secretion of its bark and the use of horse-hooves for glue in former times—the French word (French is the colonizing language of Agalega) for "horse" is "cheval".
The cheval and the Agalega Island Day Gecko
In a symbiotic relationship, the Agalega Island Day Gecko[2] (Phelsuma borbonica agalegae) feeds off the insects trapped in the viscous, though thin, sap while depositing its vitamin-rich droppings at the base of the tree. Though this may seem to more resemble commensalism than not, the droppings do in fact provide a registrable gain for the cheval tree, though it is not nearly as great as the free and ample sustenance gained by the gecko. Scientists have yet to come up with a satisfactory explanation for this strange "selflessness" on the cheval's behalf, and have set up a research station in the Agalega town of Vingt Cinq[3] for further study.
References
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2008-01-11. Retrieved 2014-01-07.
- ^ Agalega Island Day Gecko - Phelsuma borbonica agalegae Archived September 1, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Government of Mauritius Archived 2012-09-19 at the Wayback Machine