Searching for fragrances

Written by Galumalemana Steven Percival
Thursday, 09 October 2008
His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese holds a ripe fruit of the oli, prized in Samoa for its unique fragrance. Standing either side of His Highness is the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Hon Faumuina Tiatia Liuga (left), and Feetau Faavesi of Lalomauga (right). Others in the group visiting the upland forest of Lotofaga (from left to right) were Fuimaono Titimaea and Mulitalo Galu from the Office of the Head of State, Tupa‘i Fiamatai of Asau, and Tolusina Pouli, Principal Research Officer of the Forestry Division, MNRE. Photographs: Galumalemana What do the sigano, mumuta, oli, and laga’ali have in common? Many readers today may not know what these names refer to but it was not very long ago when they were well known to Samoans throughout the islands. Add moso’oi, alii o le po and pua aganoa to this list and readers will probably recognize that they all belong to an important part of Samoa’s indigenous flora. They are but a few of a long list of plants and trees that hold alluring fragrances used by the people of Samoa primarily for the making of fragrant oils. His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese has a special interest in restoring Samoa’s culture of fragrances. Accompanied by Hon. Faumuina Tiatia Liuga, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and others interested in the object of the quest, His Highness journeyed into the forests of Lotofaga in search of the oli. Crossing the crest of Fuipisia Falls, the group soon located the trees with the help of Feetau Faavesi, a villager from Lalomauga familiar with the upland forest. The oli trees are currently bearing fruit, which is what holds the fragrance. A few young oli trees were carefully taken for transplanting at a special nursery for fragrant plants and trees. His Highness is looking to establish a botanical garden of fragrant plants and trees along with other flora of cultural significance to the Samoans. The Government fully supports this initiative and is engaging the support of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to assist with its fruition. Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment Name Email Title Comment
Last Updated ( Friday, 10 October 2008 )

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