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THE VOYAGE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGER. 



nature of which is unknown, as no specimen was procured, and a Euphorbiaceous tree, 

 or rather tall shrub, called by Webster "Jatropha" or "Pinhao" (Jatropha gossypifolia). 

 It has a pink flower, and at the time of the visit had only single tufts of young 



Fig. 87.— The Peak of Fernando Noronha, sketched from the deck of H.M.S. Challenger, Sept. 3rd, 1873. 



leaves immediately beneath the inflorescence, although in full flower. Its bare stems 

 and branches render it a striking object amongst the green of the creepers when the 

 forest is viewed from the sea. Webster says that it casts its leaves in July and August, 



