The sponge tree is an endemic tree of Reunion. Cutispongia, from the Latin “cutis” meaning skin, covering or bark, and “spongius” meaning spongy or sponge-like, gave it its common name “sponge tree”. Its bark and branches have a relatively soft consistency, as if they were spongy.

The sponge tree is a rare species protected by a ministerial decree dated 8 February 1987. Only a handful of specimens remain, mainly in inland coastal areas near Saint-Philippe. The species is endangered due to natural hybridisation with a Mauritian endemic species now introduced and sold in Reunion’s nurseries.