Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 3. Terrestrial Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
ABARIRINGA (CANTON, KANTON)
Lister (1891) reported that there were 10 species of plants on Abariringa (Canton). Except
for some thickets of Tournefortia argentea, Abariringa (Canton) was treeless.
In 1915, Captain Allen of the Samoa Shipping and Trading Co., Ltd, planted hundreds of
coconut trees on Abariringa (Canton) (Anon. 1940c). When he returned in 1919, all but 5 or
6 coconut trees had died.
In 1924, there were 8 sad looking coconut trees on Abariringa (Canton) (Bryan 1937; 10
according to Murphy et al 1954). McIntire (1960) noted that only 2 of these early plantings
survived and they became landmarks for ships in the area.
Bryan (1934) reported that the most significant plants were Morinda cirtrifolia and Cordia
subcordata.
In 1937, the H.M.S. Wellington brought 1,000 coconuts to Abariringa (Canton) for planting
(Hellweg 1937). According to McIntire (1960), 3,000 coconuts were brought for planting
during the solar eclipse expedition in 1937. These sprouting coconuts were examined by
Gilbertese that accompanied Maude (1937). Apparently, these coconuts were not planted
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