TEDGlobal 2014
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim: Humble plants that hide surprising secrets
阿密娜．格瑞-法金: 小植物蘊含大學問
Filmed:
Readability: 4.8
1,072,911 views
在這則有趣的演講中，生物學家阿密娜．格瑞-法金介紹了在與世隔絕的島嶼及非洲大陸等地區的稀有植物。其中包括：會變形的安息香、有可能治癒氣喘的小島香油膏，以及能解決我們未來食物危機的重要植物：猴麵包樹與猴蘋果。
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim - President of Mauritius
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is the president of the Republic of Mauritius. She has been a university professor and entrepreneur before her election as the first female Head of State of Mauritius. Full bio
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is the president of the Republic of Mauritius. She has been a university professor and entrepreneur before her election as the first female Head of State of Mauritius. Full bio
Double-click the English transcript below to play the video.
00:12
You know, it's a big privilege for me
0
907
2428
在世界上生物多樣性最豐富的地方工作
00:15
to be working in one of the
biodiversity hotspots in the world:
biodiversity hotspots in the world:
1
3335
3892
是我極大的榮幸
00:19
the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean.
2
7227
2701
這個地方位於印度洋的馬斯克林群島
00:21
These islands — Mauritius,
Rodrigues, and Réunion —
Rodrigues, and Réunion —
3
9928
3745
這些群島包括：模里西斯、
羅德里格斯島和留尼旺群島
羅德里格斯島和留尼旺群島
00:25
along with the island of Madagascar,
4
13673
3138
以及馬達加斯加島
00:28
they are blessed with unique plants
5
16811
1916
這些島嶼有著獨一無二的植物
00:30
found nowhere else in the world.
6
18727
2113
你在其他地方不可能找得到
00:32
And today I will tell you
about five of them
about five of them
7
20840
2689
今天我將向你們介紹其中五種植物
00:35
and their particular features
8
23529
1995
包括它們特殊的特徵
00:37
and why these plants are so unique.
9
25524
2884
以及它們如此特別的原因
00:40
Take a look at this plant.
10
28408
1560
我們先來看看這種植物
00:41
I call it benjoin in the local vernacular,
11
29968
3404
當地人稱它為安息香
00:45
and the botanical name
is Terminalia bentzoe,
is Terminalia bentzoe,
12
33372
3926
它的植物學名叫欖仁葉
是欖仁樹屬的次級種類
00:49
subspecies bentzoe.
13
37298
1901
00:51
This subspecies is endemic to Mauritius,
14
39199
3308
這種植物為模里西斯特有植物
00:54
and its particular feature
15
42507
1811
而它的特徵就是
00:56
is its heterophylly.
16
44318
2474
它的異形葉性
00:58
What do I mean by heterophylly?
17
46792
2126
什麼是異形葉性呢？
01:00
It's that the same plant
18
48918
1563
就是指說在同一株植物中
01:02
has got leaves that are different shapes and sizes.
19
50481
3083
有許多不同形狀和大小的葉子
01:05
Now, these plants have evolved
20
53564
1585
如今這些植物都經過進化
01:07
very far away from the mainland,
21
55149
2354
已經遠離了大陸
01:09
and within specific ecosystems.
22
57503
3398
而且只存在於特定的生態系中
01:12
Often, these particular features
23
60901
2824
通常這些特徵
01:15
have evolved as a response to the threat
24
63725
2811
都進化為一種激烈反應
01:18
presented by the local fauna,
25
66536
2437
以此應對當地動物的威脅
01:20
in this case, grazing tortoises.
26
68973
3620
在這裡指的就是食草性的陸龜
01:24
Tortoises are known to have poor eyesight,
27
72593
3156
陸龜的視力很差
01:27
and as such, they tend to avoid the plants
28
75749
2486
所以它們會盡量避免
那些它們無法辨認的植物
01:30
they don't recognize.
29
78235
2059
01:32
So this evolutionary
foil safeguards the plant
foil safeguards the plant
30
80294
3374
所以這種進化的葉子保護植物
01:35
against these rather cute animals,
31
83668
2925
防止它們被這類動物吃掉
01:38
and protects it and of course
ensures its survival.
ensures its survival.
32
86593
5058
也就更加確保其存活率
01:43
Now the question you're
probably asking yourself is,
probably asking yourself is,
33
91651
3010
現在你心裡的疑問來了
01:46
why is she telling us all these stories?
34
94661
2901
她為何要說這些故事呢？
01:49
The reason for that is that we tend to overlook
35
97562
3686
原因是，我們常常忽略
01:53
the diversity and the variety of the natural world.
36
101248
4384
自然世界中的多樣性
01:57
These particular habitats are unique
37
105632
2893
這些自然棲息地獨一無二
02:00
and they are host to a whole lot of plants.
38
108525
4228
它們是無數植物賴以生長的家
02:04
We don't realize how valuable
39
112753
2171
我們沒有意識到
這些資源是多麼有價值且珍貴
02:06
and how precious these resources are,
40
114924
2610
02:09
and yet, through our insouciance,
41
117534
2195
我們甚至仍毫不在乎地
02:11
we keep on destroying them.
42
119729
2169
繼續破壞它們
02:13
We're all familiar
43
121898
1732
我們都非常熟悉
02:15
with the macro impact of urbanization,
44
123630
3195
城市化所帶來的巨大衝擊
02:18
climate change, resource exploitation,
45
126825
3442
氣候變遷、資源掠奪
02:22
but when that one last plant —
46
130267
2173
但唯有當最後一種植物
02:24
or animal for that matter —
47
132440
2209
或是最後一種動物
02:26
when that very last specimen
48
134649
2199
最後一個樣本
02:28
has disappeared from the face of this Earth,
49
136848
2111
從地球上消失以後
02:30
we would have lost
50
138959
1396
我們就真的失去
02:32
an entire subset of the Earth's biology,
51
140355
3906
一個完整的地球生物體系
02:36
and with it, important plants
with medicinal potential
with medicinal potential
52
144261
3678
在這套體系中有著
潛在醫療價值的重要植物
潛在醫療價值的重要植物
02:39
or which could have ingredients
53
147939
1935
或是植物中的成分
02:41
that would speak to the cosmetic,
54
149874
1521
本來可以用於化妝品
02:43
nutrition, pharma,
55
151395
1921
營養品、製藥品
02:45
and even the ethno-veterinary sectors,
56
153316
2419
甚至是獸醫用的方針
02:47
be gone forever.
57
155735
1743
都將消失而永不復見
02:49
And here we have a very prime example
58
157478
1935
這裡有個典型的例子
02:51
of the iconic dodo, which comes from Mauritius,
59
159413
2745
具有代表性的模里西斯渡渡鳥
02:54
and, of course, we know is
now a symbol of extinction.
now a symbol of extinction.
60
162158
4387
當然，現在牠已是
一個物種滅絕的象徵
一個物種滅絕的象徵
02:58
We know plants have a
fundamental role to play.
fundamental role to play.
61
166545
2620
我們都知道植物扮演著
一個很重要的角色
一個很重要的角色
03:01
Well, first of all, they feed us
62
169165
1835
首先，它是我們的食物
03:03
and they also give us
the oxygen we breathe,
the oxygen we breathe,
63
171000
2890
它們也提供我們呼吸的氧氣
03:05
but plants are also the source
64
173890
2317
而植物同時也提供很多
03:08
of important, biologically active ingredients
65
176207
3555
重要且具有生物活性的成分
03:11
that we should be studying very carefully,
66
179762
3202
因此值得我們仔細研究
03:14
because human societies over the millennia,
67
182964
4290
因為人類社會經過幾千年
03:19
they have developed important knowledge,
68
187254
3048
已經發展出許多重要的知識
03:22
cultural traditions,
69
190302
1818
不同的文化傳統
03:24
and important plant-based medicinal resources.
70
192120
4296
以及重要醫療用的植物資源
03:28
Here's a data point:
71
196416
1985
數據顯示
03:30
1.4 percent of the entire land surface
72
198401
4162
全球地表上的 1.4%
03:34
is home to 40 percent of
the species of higher plants,
the species of higher plants,
73
202563
3904
生長著 40% 的高等植物
03:38
35 percent of the species of vertebrates,
74
206467
2688
35% 的脊椎動物
03:41
and this 1.4 percent
75
209155
2543
而這 1.4% 的土地代表著
03:43
represents the 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world,
76
211698
4668
世界上 25 個生物多樣性最豐富的地方
03:48
and this 1.4 percent of the entire land surface
77
216366
3158
而全球陸地上的 1.4%
03:51
already provides for 35 percent
78
219524
2882
提供了 35%
03:54
of the ecosystem services
79
222406
1834
我們脆弱人類最賴以生存的
03:56
that vulnerable people depend on.
80
224240
2678
生態系統服務
03:58
And as you can see,
81
226918
1348
就如同你們所看到的
04:00
the island of Mauritius
82
228266
1413
模里西斯群島
04:01
where I work and where I live,
83
229679
2083
就是我工作和生活的地方
04:03
belongs to one such biodiversity hotspot,
84
231762
2705
這裡正屬於物種大熔爐的地方之一
04:06
and I study the unique plants
85
234467
2214
而我研究的正是島上
這些獨一無二的植物
這些獨一無二的植物
04:08
on the island for their
biomedical applications.
biomedical applications.
86
236681
3662
作為生物醫療方面的應用
04:12
Now, let's go back again
87
240343
1337
現在，讓我們回去看
04:13
to that first plant I showed you,
88
241680
1840
我給你們看的第一種植物
04:15
the one, of course, with
different-shaped leaves
different-shaped leaves
89
243520
3027
這個有著不同形狀和大小的葉子植物
04:18
and different sizes, Terminalia bentzoe,
90
246547
2856
欖仁葉
04:21
subspecies bentzoe,
91
249403
1667
屬於欖仁樹屬的次級種類
04:23
a plant only found in Mauritius.
92
251070
2595
是模里西斯所獨有的植物
04:25
Now, the local people,
93
253665
1445
現在，模里西斯的當地居民
04:27
they used a decoction of the leaves
94
255110
2226
他們用這種葉子煎藥
04:29
against infectious diseases.
95
257336
2531
以治療感染疾病
04:31
Now our work, that is,
96
259867
2452
而我們的工作就是
04:34
the scientific validation of
this traditional information,
this traditional information,
97
262319
3409
透過科學的方法
來驗證這種傳統醫療方式
來驗證這種傳統醫療方式
04:37
has shown that precisely
98
265728
2072
以恰好證明
04:39
that leaf extract shows activity, potent activity,
99
267800
4329
這些葉子的提取物證明他們的活性
04:44
against a wide range of bacteria
100
272129
2222
可以用來對付許多
04:46
that could be pathogenic to humans.
101
274351
3076
使人類致病的細菌
04:49
Now, could this plant be the answer
102
277427
2441
現在，這種植物能解決
04:51
to antibiotic resistance?
103
279868
2621
抗生素耐藥性的問題嗎？
04:54
You know, antibiotic resistance is proving to be
104
282489
2351
抗生素耐藥性正是
04:56
a big challenge globally.
105
284840
2720
一個全球所面臨的巨大挑戰
04:59
While we may not be sure, one thing is certain:
106
287560
2803
儘管我們還不確定
但有一點是無庸置疑的
但有一點是無庸置疑的
05:02
we will not want this plant to disappear.
107
290363
2609
我們一定不能讓這些植物消失
05:04
But the harsh reality is that
108
292972
2644
但殘酷的事實是
05:07
this particular plant is in fact
109
295616
1984
實際上這種特定的植物
05:09
considered to be vulnerable
110
297600
1870
在它的自然原生棲息地中
05:11
in its natural habitat.
111
299470
2160
是非常脆弱的
05:13
This brings me to another example.
112
301630
2148
我們來看另外一個例子
05:15
This bush here is known as baume de l'ile plate
113
303778
3790
這些灌木被當地人稱為
小島香油膏
05:19
in the local vernacular.
114
307568
1722
05:21
The botanical name is Psiadia arguta.
115
309290
2655
植物學名叫做菊科毛國木菊
05:23
It's a plant which is rare,
116
311945
1891
這種植物非常稀少
05:25
which is endemic to Mauritius.
117
313836
2712
是模里西斯特有的植物
05:28
It used to grow on the mainland,
118
316548
1222
它以前生長在大陸上
05:29
but through the sheer
pressures of urbanization
pressures of urbanization
119
317770
2443
但是由於城市化帶來的種種壓力
05:32
has been pushed out of the mainland,
120
320213
2279
在大陸上已經再也見不到它了
05:34
and we've managed to bring it back
121
322492
1701
而我們設法使它從滅絕的邊緣中
05:36
from the brink of extinction
122
324193
1476
死灰復燃
05:37
by developing in vitro plants
123
325669
2067
透過人工培育
05:39
which are now growing in the wild.
124
327736
1848
讓它重新在野外開始生長
05:41
Now, one thing I must
point out straightaway
point out straightaway
125
329584
2196
但我必須說清楚一點
05:43
is that not all plants
126
331780
2877
那就是並不是所有的植物
05:46
can be developed in vitro.
127
334657
2916
都能透過人工培育重新復育
05:49
While we humans, we are
happy in our comfort zone,
happy in our comfort zone,
128
337573
3823
正如同我們人類
快樂地待在舒適圈一樣
快樂地待在舒適圈一樣
05:53
these plants also need
129
341396
2236
這些植物也需要
05:55
their ecosystem to be preserved,
130
343632
2734
合適的生態環境
05:58
and they don't react — endemic plants
131
346366
1833
而本地植物往往
06:00
don't react to very harsh
changes in their ecosystem,
changes in their ecosystem,
132
348199
3319
對生態環境的劇烈變化反應遲鈍
06:03
and yet we know what are the challenges
133
351518
2261
然而我們並不知道
除了氣候變遷
06:05
that climate change, for example,
134
353779
1088
06:06
is posing to these plants.
135
354867
2043
植物的生存環境還面臨了那些挑戰
06:08
Now, the local people again use the leaves
136
356910
2528
現在，當地居民依然用這些樹葉
06:11
in traditional medicine
137
359438
1754
根據最傳統醫藥的方式
06:13
against respiratory problems.
138
361192
2680
來治療呼吸道的疾病
06:15
Now, our preliminary labwork
139
363872
2089
我們對葉子的提取物進行研究
06:17
on the leaf extract has shown
140
365961
1732
結果初步顯示
06:19
that precisely these
leaves contain ingredients
leaves contain ingredients
141
367693
4129
這些葉子的成分
06:23
that are very close,
in terms of structures,
in terms of structures,
142
371822
3095
從化學結構式來看
06:26
chemical structures, to those medicines
143
374917
2366
和藥店裡面所賣的
06:29
which are sold in the chemist's shop
144
377283
1519
那些抗氣喘的藥
06:30
against asthma.
145
378802
1975
是非常相近的
06:32
So who knows
146
380777
1910
所以沒有人知道
06:34
what humanity will benefit from
147
382687
2086
人類會從這些植物當中
06:36
should this plant decide
to reveal all its secrets.
to reveal all its secrets.
148
384773
5418
獲得多少的益處
06:42
Now, I come from the developing world
149
390191
2491
我來自發展中國家
06:44
where we are forever being
challenged with this issue
challenged with this issue
150
392682
2803
我們一直面臨著
06:47
of population explosion.
151
395485
2394
人口爆炸的挑戰
06:49
Africa is the continent
which is getting younger,
which is getting younger,
152
397879
2814
非洲人口正變得越來越多
06:52
and whenever one talks
about population explosion,
about population explosion,
153
400693
3703
每當人們提到人口爆炸的時候
06:56
one talks about the issue of food security
154
404396
2505
總會提到食物短缺的問題
06:58
as being the other side of the same coin.
155
406901
2680
就像是一枚硬幣的兩面一樣
07:01
Now this plant here, the baobab,
156
409581
2318
這個植物名稱叫做猴麵包樹
07:03
could be part of the answer.
157
411899
1522
也許會是解決方案
07:05
It's an underutilized, neglected food plant.
158
413421
3145
它被忽視且未被完全開發利用
07:08
It defines the landscape of West Africa,
159
416566
2493
它構成了西非的風景線
07:11
where it is known as the tree of life,
160
419059
2546
被視為是生命之樹
07:13
and later on I will tell you why
161
421605
2498
稍後我會解釋
07:16
the Africans consider it to be the tree of life.
162
424103
3111
非洲人稱之為生命之樹的原因
07:19
Now interestingly, there are many legends
163
427214
1918
很多很有趣的傳奇
07:21
which are associated with this plant.
164
429132
2108
關於這種植物的故事
07:23
Because of its sheer size,
165
431240
1772
主要是因為它的巨大體型
07:25
it was meant to be lording over lesser plants,
166
433012
2902
使它稱霸其他比它小的植物
07:27
so God didn't like this arrogance,
167
435914
1958
這種狂妄惹惱了上帝
07:29
uprooted it, and planted it upside down,
168
437872
2788
因此將它連根拔起
以倒頭栽的方式種植它
以倒頭栽的方式種植它
07:32
hence its particular shape.
169
440660
2522
也就形成了它獨特的形狀
07:35
And if you look at this tree again
170
443182
2508
而若我們以非洲的角度
07:37
within the African context,
171
445690
2162
來看這種樹
07:39
in West Africa, it's known
as the palaver tree,
as the palaver tree,
172
447852
3665
在西非，它被稱為「談判樹」
07:43
because it performs great social functions.
173
451517
3070
因為它具有重要的社交功能
07:46
Now if you have a problem in the community,
174
454587
2219
如果部落裡面有什麼麻煩
07:48
meeting under the palaver tree
175
456806
1738
他們就會和酋長或族人
07:50
with the chiefs or the tribesmen
176
458544
1979
在談判樹下碰面協商
07:52
would be synonymous to trying to find a solution
177
460523
2162
就如同他們正一起努力
去解決那個特定的問題
07:54
to that particular problem,
178
462685
1445
07:56
and also to reinforce trust and respect
179
464130
2940
這麼做也更加強化
部落之間彼此的信任和尊重
07:59
among members of the community.
180
467070
2521
08:01
From the scientific point of view,
181
469591
2396
從科學的角度來看
08:03
there are eight species of baobab in the world.
182
471987
2695
世界上有八種不同種類的猴麵包樹
08:06
There's one from Africa,
183
474682
1982
一種來自非洲
08:08
one from Australia,
184
476664
1669
一種來自澳洲
08:10
and six are endemic
185
478333
2747
另外六種則是
馬達加斯加島的地方特有種
08:13
to the island of Madagascar.
186
481080
1647
08:14
The one I have showed you
187
482727
1632
我給你們看的這種
08:16
is the one from Africa,
188
484359
1590
是來自非洲的
08:17
Adansonia digitata.
189
485949
1921
叫做非洲猴麵包樹
08:19
Now, the flower, this
beautiful white flower,
beautiful white flower,
190
487870
2320
現在這種漂亮的白花
它在夜晚綻放，經由蝙蝠受粉
08:22
it opens at night, is pollinated by bats,
191
490190
2124
08:24
and it gives rise to the fruit
192
492314
2599
最後結出果實
08:26
which is curiously known
193
494913
1552
而很有創意地被稱為
08:28
as the monkey apple.
194
496465
1735
猴蘋果
08:30
The monkeys are not stupid animals.
195
498200
1493
猴子非常聰明
08:31
They know what's good for them.
196
499693
1733
牠們知道這種果實很好吃
08:33
Now, if you open the fruit of the baobab,
197
501426
2801
如果把猴麵包樹的果實打開
08:36
you'll see a white, floury pulp,
198
504227
2593
就會看到白色粉狀的果肉
08:38
which is very rich in nutrients
199
506820
2097
這些果肉非常具有營養價值
08:40
and has got protein,
200
508917
2374
且含有大量蛋白質
08:43
more protein than in human milk.
201
511291
4118
甚至比人奶所含的蛋白質更豐富
08:47
Yes, you heard right:
202
515409
1788
是的，你沒有聽錯
08:49
more protein than in human milk.
203
517197
3408
比人奶所含的蛋白質更豐富
08:52
And this is one of the reasons why
204
520605
1890
這也是為什麼世界上
08:54
the nutrition companies of this world,
205
522495
1822
那些做營養品的公司
08:56
they are looking for this fruit to provide
206
524317
2385
都積極尋找以獲取這類果實
08:58
what we know as reinforced food.
207
526702
2587
以生產所謂的增強性食品
09:01
The seeds give an oil, a very stable oil
208
529289
3881
它的種子還能產出一種穩定的油
09:05
which is sought after
by the cosmetic industry
by the cosmetic industry
209
533170
3070
這種油可以使用在化妝產業
09:08
to give to produce body lotions, for example.
210
536240
3262
來生產如身體乳液之類的產品
09:11
And if you look at the trunk,
211
539502
1629
再來看看它的樹幹
09:13
the trunk, of course, safeguards water,
212
541131
3603
這種樹幹可以保持水分
09:16
which is often harvested by a thirsty traveler,
213
544734
2801
口渴的旅人常用它來解渴
它的樹葉也能被傳統藥物使用
09:19
and the leaves are used in traditional medicine
214
547535
1678
09:21
against infectious disease.
215
549213
1955
來治療感染疾病
現在你們可以明白為什麼
09:23
Now, you can see now why the Africans consider it
216
551168
2576
非洲人稱它為生命之樹了吧
09:25
to be the tree of life.
217
553744
1800
09:27
It's a complete plant,
218
555544
1665
它是一種完整的植物
09:29
and in fact, the sheer size of these trees
219
557209
2542
而事實上光是這些樹的體型
09:31
is hiding a massive potential,
220
559751
2103
就蘊藏著極大的開發潛力
09:33
not only for the pharma, nutrition,
and the cosmetic industry.
and the cosmetic industry.
221
561854
3442
不僅僅在醫療、營養與化妝產業
09:37
What I have showed you here
222
565296
2006
我剛才所介紹給你們的
09:39
is only the species from Africa,
223
567302
2230
是非洲特有品種中的一種：
09:41
Adansonia digitata.
224
569532
1884
非洲猴麵包樹
09:43
We have six species yet in Madagascar,
225
571416
2664
在馬達加斯加島上
還有另外六種猴麵包樹
還有另外六種猴麵包樹
09:46
and we don't know what
is the potential of this plant,
is the potential of this plant,
226
574080
3484
我們還不知道這種植物的潛力
09:49
but one thing we know is that the flora
227
577564
2466
但有一點是確定的
09:52
is considered to be
threatened with extinction.
threatened with extinction.
228
580030
2562
那就是這種植物正面臨滅絕
09:54
Let me take you to Africa again,
229
582592
3204
讓我們再次回到非洲
09:57
and introduce you to one of my very favorite,
230
585796
2504
來談我最喜歡的一種植物：
10:00
the resurrection plant.
231
588300
1830
復活花
10:02
Now here you'll find
232
590130
1347
你們會發現
10:03
that even Jesus has competition.
233
591477
1918
就連會復活的耶穌也有競爭對手了
10:05
(Laughter)
234
593395
1603
(笑聲)
10:06
Now, this plant here has developed
235
594998
2993
現在這種植物已經進化
10:09
remarkable tolerance to drought,
236
597991
2979
對乾旱有非常強大的忍受力
10:12
which enables it to withstand
237
600970
2098
這使得它在一年中
10:15
up to 98 percent dehydration
over the period of a year
over the period of a year
238
603068
4245
可以承受高達 98% 的脫水程度
10:19
without damage,
239
607313
2104
而不至於受到破壞
10:21
and yet it can regenerate
itself almost completely
itself almost completely
240
609417
4150
而且它還能在一夜間，24 小時後
10:25
overnight, over 24 hours, and flower.
241
613567
4080
幾乎完全地再生並開花
10:29
Now, us human beings,
242
617647
2233
現今我們人類一直在尋找
10:31
we're always on the lookout for the elixir of youth.
243
619880
3226
可以永保青春的靈丹
10:35
We don't want to get old, and rightly so.
244
623106
1834
的確，誰都不想變老
10:36
Why should we, especially if you can afford it?
245
624940
3239
如果可以永保青春，為何要變老呢
10:40
And this gives you an indication
246
628179
2183
這個是脫水的時候
10:42
of what the plant looks like before.
247
630362
2802
這株植物的樣子
10:45
Now, if you are an inexperienced gardener,
248
633164
2856
如果是你是新手園丁的話
10:48
the first thing you'll do
when you visit the garden
when you visit the garden
249
636020
2032
當走進花園看到這樣子的植物時
10:50
is to uproot this plant because it's dead.
250
638052
2724
第一反應大概是它已經死了
趕緊拔了它
趕緊拔了它
10:52
But if you water it, this is what you get.
251
640776
4802
但是如果幫它澆點水
你就會看到這樣的變化
你就會看到這樣的變化
10:57
Absolutely amazing.
252
645578
2176
非常神奇
10:59
Now, if you look at our aging process,
253
647754
2496
現在我們來研究我們衰老的過程
11:02
the aging process is in fact the loss of water
254
650250
2450
其實就是一個上層表皮脫水的過程
11:04
from the upper epidermis, resulting in wrinkling
255
652700
3174
導致皺紋產生
11:07
as we know it, especially women,
256
655874
1567
我們都知道，特別是女性
11:09
we are so conscious of this.
257
657441
1841
我們女生都非常在意皺紋
11:11
And this plant, in fact, is giving
the cosmetic chemists
the cosmetic chemists
258
659282
4681
而事實上這種植物
給予化妝品化學家非常重要的原料
11:15
very important ingredients
259
663963
1990
11:17
that are actually finding ways
260
665953
2767
從中正在尋找
11:20
to slow down the aging process
261
668720
2390
能延緩老化過程的方法
11:23
and at the same time reinforce the cells
262
671110
2380
並且同時增強細胞
11:25
against the onslaught of environmental toxins.
263
673490
4287
抵抗外部環境的毒素
11:29
Now, these four examples
264
677777
2637
以上我所介紹的
11:32
I have just given you
265
680414
2907
四個例子
11:35
are just a very tiny reminder
266
683321
3434
還僅僅是一個極小的警示
11:38
as to how our health
267
686755
3737
它們提醒著我們
我們的健康和生存
11:42
and our survival are closely linked
268
690492
3504
是如何與我們生態系的健康和韌性
11:45
to the health and the resilience
269
693996
2812
11:48
of our ecosystem,
270
696808
1845
緊密相連的
11:50
and why we should be very careful
271
698653
1934
也提醒著我們
11:52
about preserving biodiversity.
272
700587
2701
保護生物多樣性的重要性
11:55
Every time a forest is cut down,
273
703288
3202
每當一片森林被砍伐
11:58
every time a marsh is filled in,
274
706490
3620
每當一個濕地被填滿
12:02
it is a potential lab that goes with it,
275
710110
3750
一個潛在的研究領域也就此消失
12:05
and which we will never, ever recover.
276
713860
2308
而我們將再也無法挽回
12:08
And I know what I'm talking about,
277
716168
1567
就如同我所提到
12:09
coming from Mauritius and missing the dodo.
278
717735
3332
模里西斯島所消失的渡渡鳥一樣
12:13
Let me finish with just one last example.
279
721067
4358
在結束之前我再舉一個例子
12:17
Conservation issues are normally guided
280
725425
3815
環境保護議題通常都是
12:21
towards rare, endemic plants,
281
729240
2968
針對稀有、當地特有的物種
12:24
but what we call exotic plants,
282
732208
2542
但那些外來物種
12:26
that is, the ones which grow in many
different habitats across the world,
different habitats across the world,
283
734750
3477
也就是分布在世界各地不同的物種
12:30
they also need to be considered.
284
738227
2406
它們同樣值得被保護
12:32
You know why? Because the environment plays
285
740633
3139
為什麼呢？因為環境
12:35
a very important role
286
743772
1755
在改變這種植物成分的過程中
12:37
in modifying the composition of that plant.
287
745527
2659
扮演著非常重要的角色
12:40
So let's take a look at this plant here,
288
748186
2631
現在我們來看這種植物
12:42
Centella asiatica. It's a weed.
289
750817
2483
崩大碗，它是一種野草
12:45
We call it a weed.
290
753300
2148
我們稱之為積雪草
12:47
Now, Centella asiatica
grows across the world
grows across the world
291
755448
2876
它們分布在世界各地
12:50
in many different habitats —
in Africa, in Asia —
in Africa, in Asia —
292
758324
2782
不同的地區，比如非洲、亞洲
12:53
and this plant has been instrumental
293
761106
2019
這種植物在 1940 年代
12:55
in providing a solution
to that dreadful disease
to that dreadful disease
294
763125
2767
提供了一種解決方案
12:57
called leprosy in Madagascar in the 1940s.
295
765892
4446
治療馬達加斯加島上致命的痲瘋病
13:02
Now, while Centella
grows across the world —
grows across the world —
296
770338
3530
儘管積雪草遍布在世界各地
13:05
in Africa, in Asia —
the best quality Centella
the best quality Centella
297
773868
3291
在非洲與亞洲都有
但品質最好的品種
但品質最好的品種
13:09
comes from Madagascar,
298
777159
2344
還是來自馬達加斯加
13:11
because that Centella contains
the three vital ingredients
the three vital ingredients
299
779503
4185
因為那種積雪草含有三種重要成分
13:15
which are sought after by the pharma
300
783688
2226
各大醫藥與化妝品公司
13:17
and the cosmetic companies.
301
785914
2634
都在竭力獲取它們
13:20
And the cosmetic companies
are already using it
are already using it
302
788548
2249
一些化妝品公司已經在使用它
13:22
to make regenerating cream.
303
790797
3082
來製造護膚霜
13:25
Now, there is an ancient saying
304
793879
2789
古人有云
13:28
that for every disease known to mankind,
305
796668
3544
世間百病
13:32
there is a plant to cure it.
306
800212
2182
皆有植物作為解藥
13:34
Now, you may not
believe in ancient sayings.
believe in ancient sayings.
307
802394
2228
也許你們可能不相信這些古語
13:36
You may think they're obsolete
308
804622
1563
也許覺得它們是已經過時
13:38
now that our science and
technology are so powerful.
technology are so powerful.
309
806185
2948
況且我們當今的科技已經如此發達
13:41
So you may look on Centella as being
310
809133
2036
所以你們可能會把積雪草當成
13:43
an insignificant, humble weed,
311
811169
3205
一種無關緊要、低賤的雜草
13:46
which, if destroyed, won't be missed.
312
814374
3326
即使它滅絕了也無所謂
13:49
But you know, there is no such thing as a weed.
313
817700
2435
但你必須知道，世上其實沒有野草一說
13:52
It's a plant.
314
820135
1754
它不僅是一株植物
13:53
It's a living biological lab
315
821889
2879
它還是一個活體生物研究實驗室
13:56
that may well have answers
316
824768
1901
在這個實驗室我們可能會找到
解決我們各種問題的答案
13:58
to the question that we may have,
317
826669
1958
14:00
but we have to ensure
318
828627
1890
但是首先，我們必須確保
14:02
that it has the right to live.
319
830517
2733
它們擁有生存的權利
14:05
Thank you.
320
833250
1878
謝謝
14:07
(Applause)
321
835128
4000
(掌聲)
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim - President of MauritiusAmeenah Gurib-Fakim is the president of the Republic of Mauritius. She has been a university professor and entrepreneur before her election as the first female Head of State of Mauritius.
Why you should listen
In June 2015, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim became the first female president of Mauritius. She's been honored as one of Foreign Policy's 2015 Global Thinkers and is moving to create opportunity and growth for her island home. Gurib-Fakim has been, prior to joining the State House, the Managing Director of the Centre International de Développement Pharmaceutique (CIDP) Research and Innovation as well as professor of organic chemistry with an endowed chair at the University of Mauritius.
Gurib-Fakim has long been a leading biodiversity scientist studying and validating the flora of Mauritius, one of the world's key biodiversity hotspots. As an entrepreneur at CIDP R & I and professor of organic chemistry, she analyzed the plants from the region for their health, nutritional and cosmetic applications.
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim | Speaker | TED.com