Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 3. Terrestrial Resources
Draft 1 March 2007
Maude (1937) reported that the vegetation on Orona (Hull) was similar to that found on
Manra (Sydney). The non, Morinda citrifolia, was conspicuous all over the western side of
the island. This was the main food of the wild pigs. Coconut trees were thriving.
Fosberg (1939) noted that the grass, Digitaria pacifica, had been collected and identified
from both Abariringa (Canton) and Orona (Hull). The Orona (Hull) specimen was reported
to have been introduced from Funafuti (Ellice Islands) by Mr. Shafer.
As part of the 1938 Line Islands Expedition, Donaggho (1953) visited Orona (Hull) reported
it covered with Tournafortia. Coconut trees grew on the southwestern end.
Bryan (1934) reported that the west end of Orona (Hull) had been cleared and planted with
coconut trees. Planting began in about 1902.
In 1939, the forest on the northeast side of Orona (Hull) was nearly dead (Bryan 1941 and
1942).
There were planted coconut trees on the western end of Orona (Hull) (Hydrographic Office
1940; see also Hydrographer of the Navy 1969; Bryan 1941 and 1942). Most of the island is
covered with brush 3 to 3.7 m (10 to 12 ft) high. There are also several stands of Pisonia
grande. These are up to 15.2 m (50 ft) high (Bryan 1941 and 1942).
The eastern most point was bare of trees (Bryan 1941 and 1942).
Fosberg et al (1973) listed exotic plant species on Orona (Hull). These included:
1) Sand bur, Cenchrus echinatus,
2) Dwarf heliotrope, Heliotropium ovatum,
3) Prostrate spurge, Euphorbia prostrata,
4) Finger-grass, Chloris barbata.
Fosberg et al (1973) recommended elimination of these introduced species, especially while
introductions were still restricted in area.
Garnett (1983) noted several plant species on Orona. These included:
1) Pandanus tectoriu,
2) Cenchrus echinatus,
3) Chloris inflata,
4) Digitaria ciliaris,
5) Digitaria pacifica,
6) Eleusine indica,
7) Eragrostis tenella,
8) Eragrostis whitneyi,
9) Lepturus pilgerianus,
10) Lepturus repens,
11) Fimbristylis cymosa,
12) Cocos nucifera,
13) Crinum asiaticum
14) Artocarpus altilis,
15) Laportea ruderalis,
16) Coccolaba uvifera,
27) Euphorbia glomerifera,
28) Euphorbia hirata,
29) Euphorbia prostrata,
30) Phyllanthus amarus
31) Triumfetta procumbens,
32) Hibiscus tiliaceus,
33) Hibiscus X sp.
34) Sida fallax,
35) Calophyllum inophyllum,
36) Carica papaya,
37) Cucumis melo,
38) Pemphis acidula,
39) Ipomoea macrantha,
40) Impomea pes-caprae,
41) Cordia subcordata,
42) Heliotropium procumbans,
39