194 THE BOTANY OF CHRISTMAS ISLAND. 



animal, even the crabs which eat the outer coat of the 

 fruits of Inocmyus greedily do not appear to relish that 

 of the Barringtonia. The plant has doubtless arrived 

 at the island by sea, as seeds of Barringtonias are 

 among the commonest sea drift ones. 



TuRNERACE.E. 



Turner a uhnifolia, L. 



This native of South America has established itself 

 on the sea-beach in Flying Fish Cove. It is a shrubby 

 herb with lanceolate toothed leaves and large yellow 

 flowers. 



Probably introduced into cultivation in the East 

 as an ornamental plant it is now Avell established in 

 sandy places beyond Tanjong Katong in Singapore. 

 It never seems to thrive inland. 



Onagraceje. 



Ludwigia jyrostrata, Roxb. 



A common yellow flowered herb abundant in wet 

 spots in many parts of the world. It is rarely prostrate 

 as its name implies but usually erect. 



Flying Fish Cove a few plants behind the house, 

 among the bananas. This plant appears to be dissemin- 

 ated by its seeds adhering to the feet or feathers of 

 aquatic birds, and also is spread by streams and rivulets. 

 In this case however I should suggest from its habitat 

 that the seeds have been accidentally brought in rice, 

 and got dropped outside the house. 



Lythrace^e. 



FempJiis acidula, Forst. 



A shrub with a rough barked stem often of consider- 

 able thickness, narrow obovate elliptic lanceolate dark 

 green leaves, usually rather stiff, small white flowers 

 and a small acid berry. 



Jour. Straits Branch - 



