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Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

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PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN<br />

<strong>Chapter</strong> III. Background, 3. Terrestrial Resources<br />

Draft 1 March 2007<br />

In 1995, two varieties of pandanus trees were observed, te iritawatawa and antinakarewe.<br />

Banana trees were also observed. These had been planted by workers from Temarui and<br />

Tebaiti.<br />

Neilson (2002) noted the number of plant species present on Abariringa (Kanton), Birnie,<br />

Manra, Nikumaroro, Orona, and Rawaki, and the plant habitats present for each island (see<br />

Table III-3.4 above).<br />

MCKEAN<br />

Bryan (1934) reported that McKean had no trees (see also Hydrographic Office 1940; Bryan<br />

1941 and 1942; Ellis 1937), but has some bushes on it. There was very little vegetation<br />

except around the shallow lagoon where patches of bunch grass grow (Hydrographic Office<br />

1940). Bryan (1941 and 1942) reported low herbs such as Portulaca, Sesuvium and Lepturus<br />

bunchgrass.<br />

Maude (1937) reported that the vegetation on McKean was similar to that found on Rawaki<br />

(Phoenix) and Birnie. Six species of plants were observed [but not identified in Maude<br />

1937].<br />

In 1939, the decision was made to plant coconut trees on McKean to support the other<br />

settlements in the Phoenix Islands (Garnett 1983). It was planned that 3,000 coconut trees<br />

were to be planted. The outbreak of World War II prevented the scheme from going forward.<br />

Baker (1968) reported that the fungi, Penicillium rotundum Rapper & Fennell, was found in<br />

the coastal sand of McKean.<br />

Garnett (1983) reported that there were no trees on McKean. The following plant species<br />

were reported on McKean.<br />

1) Digitaria pacifica<br />

2) Lepturus pilgerianus<br />

3) Boerhavia albiflora<br />

4) Sesuvium portulacastrum<br />

5) Portulaca lutea<br />

6) Tribulus cistoides<br />

7) Sida falla<br />

Fosberg and Stoddart (1994) provided a detail discussion of each species recorded for the<br />

Phoenix Islands. A summary of plant species reported and discussed in Fosberg and Stoddart<br />

(1994) is provided in Table III-3.3 above.<br />

Timeon (2001) noted that the healthy growing shrubs and grasses indicated that larger<br />

vegetation such as coconut trees may well thrive on McKean.<br />

Bukaeireiti and Rabaua (2002) reported Pisonia grandis, Sida fallax, pigweed, pig vine,<br />

puncture vines, and seaside purslane on McKean.<br />

Pierce et al (2006) conducted plant surveys on Birnie, Enderbury, McKean, Nikumaroro, and<br />

Orona. Summary results are provided in Table III-3.5 above.<br />

NIKUMARORO (GARDNER)<br />

35

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