There is a small red and white flower that Fiji holds close to its heart, and the best place to find it is Taveuni. The Tagimoucia (pronounced tag-i-moo-thia) is Fiji’s national flower, found nowhere else in the world, and each year, as the weather warms, its blooms begin to appear in the island’s high forests.
A Flower with a Legend
As the story goes, a chief’s daughter ran into the mountain forest, heartbroken, and her tears became the delicate red-and-white flowers that now hang in clusters from the vines. Several versions of the tale circulate across Fiji, and your guide may share the one passed down in their village.
When to See It
The Tagimoucia typically blooms from around October until early in the new year. Flowering varies from year to year, so if seeing it is a priority for your stay, let us know your dates, and we will tell you what is happening in the forest right now. The village guides are the experts at taking you to where the flower is growing.
The Journey to the Flower
Seeing the Tagimoucia is a small adventure rather than a roadside stop. Our team arranges a 4WD ride up to the village, where a local guide meets you and leads the hike into the forest to find the flower. Walking with someone who knows the trail and the plants makes all the difference, and it is a chance to spend time in a part of Taveuni most visitors never see.
You would plan to spend most of the day on this excursion, as the hike will require a moderate level of fitness. It is necessary to check the conditions, as the track can be slippery if there has been a lot of rain. The weather conditions can be quite different at the higher elevations where the flower is found. When you stay at Taveuni Palms, we provide lunch and water with the guide for you.
What to Bring
- Sturdy closed shoes with good grip
- Water and a light rain jacket
- Insect repellent and sun protection
- A camera or phone (the flowers are small, so a close-up lens helps)
Please leave the flowers where they grow so that others can enjoy them too.
Plan Your Visit
Staying at Taveuni Palms in flower season? Tell us when you are arriving, and we will arrange your Tagimoucia hike alongside the rest of your stay.
Contact our team if you are interested in seeing this iconic flower. They can offer advice and recommendations to ensure you can tick this adventure off your itinerary.