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