Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 3. Terrestrial Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
Neilson (2002) noted the number of plant species present on Abariringa (Kanton), Birnie,
Manra, Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki, and the plant habitats present for each island (see
Table III-3.4 above).
Pierce et al (2006) reported that mangroves were an invasive plant on Enderbury and
recommended its removal.
Pierce et al (2006) conducted plant surveys on Birnie, Enderbury, McKean, Nikumaroro, and
Orona. Summary results are provided in Table III-3.5 above.
MANRA (SYDNEY)
In 1886, Arundel was granted a license for coconut planting (Garnett 1983). Bush was cut
and burned and the entire island was planted in coconuts. J.T. Arundel & Co. planted
coconut trees on Manra (Douglas and Douglas 1994; presumably in the late 1800’s).
The severe drought in 1890 to 1894 killed the coconut trees in most of the Phoenix Islands,
except those on Orona (Hull) and Manra (Sydney) (Knudsen 1965).
In 1905 Lever Bros. established a coconut plantation on Manra (Sydney) (MacGregor n.d.).
A coconut plantation was reported for Manra (Allen 1918).
The eastern side of the island was thick with arboreal vegetation (Bryan 1934). The western
side had been cleared and planted in coconut trees.
Ellis (1937) reported that the two species of rat on Manra (Sydney) greatly reduced coconut
yields.
Maude (1937) reported that some of the coconut trees on Manra (Sydney) showed signs of
wasting. Others had yields greater than that found in the Gilbert group.
Ellis (1946) reported that coconut trees were planted on Manra (Sydney).
As part of the 1938 Phoenix Islands Settlement Scheme, banana, pandanus, Ficus trees (te
bero), papaya, babai, and taro were introduced to Manra (Sydney) (Knudsen 1965 and 1977).
By 1940, most of these introductions had perished (Knudsen 1965 and 1977).
There is a large coconut grove on the west side of Manra (Sydney) (Hydrographic Office
1940; see also Hydrographer of the Navy 1969; and Bryan 1941 and 1942). A smaller
coconut grove was on the eastern side of the island (Hydrographic Office 1940; southeastern
side according to Bryan 1941 and 1942). Bryan (1941 and 1942) reported that these had been
planted starting in 1905.
Turbott (1954) noted that on Manra, normal Gilbertese diet plants that were introduced such
as pandanus, babai, and breadfruit died or produced no fruit. Coconut trees did grow, but
were not healthy. It was speculated that this was related to the salinity of the ground water.
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