Terrific Things About Taveuni - Fiji’s National Flower
Posted by Maris on 11th Oct 2023
In general, Fiji and its 333 islands stand out among the South Pacific's beauties. But there's a good reason for this: did you know that the tagimoucia, Fiji's national flower, grows solely on Taveuni island and nowhere else in the world? And the island itself is breathtakingly magnificent, with world-class snorkeling, diving, and a massive crater… Continue reading to find out!
The Tagimoucia (pronounced tahng-ee-mow-theea) is the official flower of this island nation, and it has a fascinating backstory. Furthermore, it is unique in that it only grows on one island, Taveuni, and nowhere else in Fiji or the world!
The origins of the blooming
The Tagimoucia mythology states that once upon a time (as all legends go…) there was a princess. She had devoted her heart to a young man, but her father had promised her hand in an alliance to another. The princess, heartbroken, fled the settlement and into the island's woodlands. She came to a halt at the lake on the island and sobbed uncontrollably. The gods must have been pleased with her zeal, since when the villagers walked up the mountain, they discovered a new flower with gorgeous red and white blossoms. The Tagimoucia flower and the princess' story are now inextricably linked in history.
Hundreds of scientists and horticulturists have attempted to transplant the bloom in other parts of Fiji and the world throughout the years, but all efforts have failed. This flower (formally known as Medinilla waterhousei) can only be found in the crater of the island's volcano. Furthermore, because of its rarity and beauty, it is especially cherished among Fijians, who regard it as a symbol of good fortune.
How to Visit the Tagimoucia Flower
Visitors must take a short flight from Fiji's mainland to the island of Taveuni to observe this unique bloom. Then it's a journey through the jungle to the Tagimoucia lake inside the volcano. There are frequently day tours that let visitors from all around the world to see this magnificent flower.
Taveuni, Fiji's natural beauties!
The island is unique even without the Tagimoucia flower. It is known as Fiji's Garden Island because to its fertile volcanic soil. However, it is not a large island in and of itself. Despite being 42 kilometers long and 12 kilometers wide, it has enough activities and experiences to keep visitors occupied for weeks.
Aside from the aforementioned attractions, visitors can also visit the Bouma National Heritage Park, which protects the island's rainforest and settlement and occupies nearly one-third of the island. The Taveuni coastline walk is located a little further away from the settlement of Lovena. Adventurers will find incredible swimming and snorkeling opportunities here, including a ridiculously beautiful swimming hole in the middle of nowhere.
Taveuni contains multiple waterfalls due to the island's volcanic origins, the most accessible of which are the Tavora waterfalls. You can readily find tour guides, the sights are spectacular, and the experience is unforgettable! With a packed picnic, suitable hiking shoes, and a walking stick, visitors can spend days exploring the island's waterfalls. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit!
Hang a few stubbies in a wire mesh bag as a pro tip. Simply dunk the bag in the waterfall and wait for half an hour. Now you have chilled beer on demand!
Rainbow Reef, Taveuni's undersea realm, literally.
Hikers will like that Taveuni is a jungle world with vast rainforests to explore. The island features some of the best diving areas in the South Pacific for watersports. The Waitabu Marine Park prohibits exploitation, and scuba divers can enjoy incredible wall dives, swim with dolphins, manta rays, turtles, and an entire ecosystem of marine flora and animals. We particularly encourage diving in the Somosomo Straits, which connect Taveuni and Vanua Levu. The Rainbow Reef, of course, is named from the incredible coral life that brightens up the site… literally. The Great White Wall, with its immaculate white coral reefs dotted with purple blooms, is another highlight. Even now, diving experts claim that just 10% of the island's reef system has been thoroughly studied!
The island is also recognized for its incredible variety of bird life. It is truly a bird-watcher's paradise, with famed orange-breasted doves, silk tails, fern tales, and several species of parrots.