Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 3. Terrestrial Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
Bryan (1934) reported that on the north point (in 1924), there were 22 coconut palms. There
were 12 small coconut palms east of a hill. Bryan (1934) noted that these were not present at
the time of Wilkes visit in 1840, nor were they mentioned by Captain Schorf in 1874. Bryan
(1934) noted that there were several Tournefortia and Cordia trees on the west and south side
of the island. The shallow lagoon was covered with Sesuvium.
Maude (1937) reported that the vegetation on Enderbury was similar to that found on
Abariringa (Canton). There were buka, ngea, or mao trees. In addition, there was a large
patch of Tournefortia argentea trees. Kanawa trees surrounded an artifical mound of guano.
The tops of the kanawa trees were dead. There were three groups of coconut trees that did
not appear to be in good condition.
As part of the 1938 Line Islands Expedition, Donaggho (1952 and 1953) visited Enderbury
and reported a large patch of Tournafortia on the north end of the island. On the south end of
the island were several patches of kou. Portulaca grew on the edge of the lagoon. Coconut
palms were in a half-dead condition grew on the west bank. Wild morning glory vines were
also observed.
Bryan (1939) reported the presence of a few patches of Cordia, Tournefortia, and Morinda
trees, and Scaevola, Pemphis, and Sida schrubs on Enderbury.
The most conspicuous vegetation on Enderbury was several palms at the north end
(Hydrographic Office 1940; see also Hydrographer of the Navy 1969). A major part of
Enderbury appears to be a low-lying plain that resembles a grassy meadow at the center of
the island (Hydrographic Office 1940).
Bryan (1941, 1942, and 1974) reported that the small shallow pond was covered with a mat
of Sesuvium. It also covered the surrounding basin.
Bryan (1941, 1942, and 1974) noted that much of the surface of Enderbury was covered by
herbs, bunchgrass, Sida, and morning-glory vines. Kou trees and heliptropes were also
present on Enderbury.
Degener and Fosberg (1952) studied specimens of Sesuvium portulacastrum from Christmas
and Abariringa (Canton), Enderbury, and concluded that they deserved at least varietal status.
Sesuvium portulacastrum var. griseum was proposed.
Maude (1953) reported that sporatic attempts to grow coconut trees have all failed on
Enderbury and Abariringa (Canton) due to the lack of rainfall. Only about one in one
hundred coconut trees reached maturity.
Robson (1956) reported that there were a few clumps of Tournefortia or heliotrope trees, a
few stunted kou thickets, one or two noni trees, and a few sad-looking coconut trees on
Enderbury.
Abbott (1966) reported that Enderbury was home to 14 species of plants. No list the species
was provided.
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