How Do You Spell TAMBALACOQUE?

Pronunciation: [tˈambɐlˌakə͡ʊk] (IPA)

Tambalacoque, a rare species of tree found in Mauritius, has a unique and challenging spelling. It is pronounced /tæmbələˈkoʊk/ (tam-buh-luh-kohk) with the stress on the second syllable. The initial letters "tamb" are pronounced like "tambourine," followed by "a" pronounced like "ah," and "la" pronounced like "luh." The last two syllables "coque" are emphasized with short "o" pronounced like "uh" and "que" sounding like "k." Despite its challenging spelling, Tambalacoque's conservation remains a top priority of the Mauritian government.

TAMBALACOQUE Meaning and Definition

1. The term "tambalacoque" refers to a specific type of tree that is native to the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. Scientifically known as Sideroxylon grandiflorum, it belongs to the sapodilla family, Sapotaceae. The tambalacoque tree is characterized by its unique shape and unusual botanical features.

   Tambalacoque trees are small to medium-sized, reaching heights of up to 15 meters. They have a thick, irregularly branched canopy that provides ample shade. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and elliptical in shape. The stunning beauty of the tambalacoque is further accentuated by its large, showy, white flowers that bloom seasonally.

   What makes the tambalacoque particularly fascinating is its connection to the legendary dodo bird, which was native to Mauritius and became extinct in the late 17th century. According to historical accounts, the seeds of the tambalacoque tree were supposedly vital for the survival of the dodo, as the bird consumed them. The extinction of the dodo led to concerns about the survival of the tambalacoque, as it was believed to rely on the dodo for seed dispersal.

   Furthermore, the tambalacoque is renowned for its slow growth rate, taking several years to bear fruit. The fruit, commonly known as dodo's egg, is a large, heavy, woody capsule that contains a single seed. These seeds are exceptionally hard, and due to their durability, they can remain viable for many years, even in harsh environmental conditions.

   While once thought to be endangered, further research has cast doubt on the dependency of tambalacoque seeds on the dodo for germination. Today, the tambalacoque

Etymology of TAMBALACOQUE

The word "tambalacoque" is derived from the Malagasy language, specifically from the Malagasy word "tambalakok", which refers to a type of tree. The Malagasy language is spoken on the island of Madagascar, where the tambalacoque tree (Sideroxylon grandiflorum), also known as the dodo tree, is native. The word "tambalacoque" was later adapted into the English language to refer to this specific tree species.