August 20,
1964
(cont.)
“About 5" of fine sand now covers the coarse gravel on the
recovering areas of the island.
This is stabilized by the plant
cover and with the help of the birds, should provide a basis for
improvement of the environment.
Fresh water was found in a depression at a depth of four feet."
Palumbo:
“The vegetation on Namu Island is reminiscent of
that on Christmas Island, especially in the extensive grassland
areas composed almost completely of Fimbrystilis and dense stands
of Messerschmidia bordering the open areas.
Scaevola plants and
Occasional isolated
patches of Boerhaavia were observed and rare
clumps of Lepturus were seen.
Large areas of Ipomoea in the old
crater area were characterized by plants with much wrinkling and
thickening of the leaves,
especially of Ipomoea pescaprae, the
purple flowered variety.
A single clump of Pemphis, about 2 feet
in diameter and 18" tall was seen,
beach line.
on the lagoon side near the
This is the first record of Pemphis on this trip.
Of note was the usually brown Fimbrystilis in the open--but the
green large plants of Fimbrystilis under the Messerschmidia
trees.
These green plants may be a result of the higher moisture
content under the trees and the higher nutrient level--or both.
“The algae at Namu I. were especially abundant in the lagoon