Weeds

[Jaqx]

Hi
I am visiting Mauritius for November part holiday/part research

I am a visual artist based in London

I am very interested in finding out about the 'weeds' (no not the illegal ones) in Mauritius, both native and non native. Not necessarily their botanical make-up, but their social uses as food, medicinal, their place in Mauritian folklore and any other uses - in short their positive values.

As an example the guava de chine is sold by street seller with chilli salt but it is also considered a vociferous weeds and a program to keep it under control has and continues to take place in Mauritius. In europe the plant (Deadly Nightshade) is avoided at all costs, however in mauritius the leaves of the plant are eaten, the berries are indeed poisonous, but the naming of the plant in europe, creates a different perspective of how we view the plant - Deadly.

These are the kinds of examples I am looking for, if you know of anyone or organisation who has this form of specialist knowledge, please get back.
I am all ready in touch with the Botanical gardens and the Widlife foundation

Jacques

[teake]

Hi Jaques,
Is there a special reason for your interest?
teake

[Jaqx]

Hi Teake

I would not say that there is a special reason, its just part of my work and their are several reasons why my work focuses on 'weeds'. I use weeds as a metaphor to unveil and address a variety of ideas
A couple of examples, The language used to describe weeds by gardeners, botanists even environmentalists is that they are 'wild' 'uncontrollable' etc, but in fact these plants are closer to nature than the plants that are found in our gardens, public parks etc. these plants are in fact manufactured and easier to control

The language used by govt dept or the media to describe immigrants, 'aliens'. 'outsiders, 'invasive' is also the same language used to describe weeds. This usage instills fear and creates an us and them situation. These are only a couple of examples, there are lots of other reasons, if you have a bit of time, have a look at these couple of links.

www.artnews.info/gallery.php?i=108&exi=2257

www.theapproach.co.uk

all the best and thanks for asking

Jacques