atoll research bulletin no. 392 the flora of - Smithsonian Institution ...

Hemandia nymphaeifolia
Hibiscus tiliaceus
Morinda citrifolia
Ochrosia elliptica
Pandanus tectorius
Pisonia grandis
Premna serratifolia
Tarenna sambucina
Terminalia catappa
Thespesia populnea
Toumefortia argentea
Vita negundo
Subtotal
TOTAL SPECIES
Sources: An extensive review of the available literature and personal records and
observations by the authors; see in particular Thaman 1992; Manner, Thaman and
Hassall 1984, 1985.
Nature of Indigenous Species
Of the indigenous species, eight are widespread pantropical or paleotropical
pteridophytes, including Psilotum nudum, Polypodium scolopendria, Ophioglossum
petiolatum, Pteris tripartita and Nephrolepis spp., with Pyrrosia adnascens, a common
epiphyte, also present on Nauru (Table 2). Asplenium nidus, although almost certainly
indigenous, was found only as an ornamental in houseyard gardens during the current
study.
There are no indigenous gymnosperms, although the widespread Cycas circinalis is
found in cultivation.
Indigenous monocotyledons are restricted to Pandanus tectorius, some cultivars of
which are undoubtedly aboriginal introductions, and a small range of sedges and grasses
(Cyperaceae and Poaceae), some of which might be aboriginal or recent introductions.
TG coconut palm (Cocos nucifcra) is classified as an aboriginal introduction. The grass
Stenotaphrum .- --- micranthrum - (reported
endangered or now absent.
present - by
Fosberg et al. 1987) - is
considered to be
- ---