Polyscias rodriguesiana

It used to occur throughout Rodrigues island, but was especially common in coastal regions and on limestone or old coral sediments.

It has a soft, swollen trunk and thick branches.

It can reach a height of 6 meters, but is usually shorter and more compact.

Its leaves are heterophyllous, like its close relative Polyscias maraisiana on Mauritius island to the west.

Adult plants' leaves are shiny, rounded and bright green.

A small juvenile plant, growing in coastal coral sediments at François Leguat Giant Tortoise and Cave Reserve .
"Bois blanc" can become tall and slender, when grown in deep shade, like this specimen in Grande Montagne Nature Reserve .