Nature
The "motu" are small islands of sand strewing the lagoons which generally surround polynesian islands from volcanic origin.
Lagoon, coral and tropical vegetation
The " motu " are small islands of sand strewing the lagoons which generally surround polynesian islands from volcanic origin. In Moorea, the lagoons are particulary remarkable, either by their colour, deep turquoise blue, than by the gorgeous transparency of their waters.
The coral which develops in these waters, serves of habitat to a large number of fishes species among which we distinguish the " ume ", the " tore " as also the "paihere ".
On Dream Island's " motu ", a large diversity of trees, plants and tropical blooms constitutes a real nature reserve which shelter an important wildlife.
A lot of birds like the " vini " the sterne and the " otahaa " (big mythical bird) nest on the " motu " which guarantee to these species, freedom and protection.
Among the more common species of trees, we find the coconut, the most important tree for the Polynesian who uses its fruits as base of his food, but also its oil to elaborate natural cosmetics products and uses the trunck and the palms to manufacture a lot of items for construction, as the " niau " (braided mat made for covering houses). We also distinguish the " toa " or iron wood which generally constitutes the frameworks of the " fare ". The " aïto " or local pinel which serves to manufacture numerous ordinary items as the " umete " and many other items usefull for cooking.
Traditional local plants as the " pandanus " are usually used for the manufacture of roofs for houses and also as the " peue ", and a lot of different items to embellish inhouse decoration.
Then come the fruits trees as the mango, the lemon tree, the papaya, the banana or also the famous " uru " or tree of bread. Among the flowers celebrities as the hibiscus, the frangipanier, the jasmin, the gardenia, the "tiare Tahiti" which breathes out a subtle and rare fragance, enter in the composition of parfumed oils really appreciated around the World. It is also used to make necklaces of flowers which are reknowned to be the base of " Polynesian welcome ".