Gates: Pioneer Vegetation of Taal Volcano 415 
SHRUB CONSOCIES 
The Ficus indica consocies . — This consocies of the parang as- 
sociation occurs in the ash of the recently vegetated parts of 
the volcano. It appeared during the second rainy season after 
the appearance of Saccharum. At present, while it seems to 
follow Saccharum, in about as many other places it invades the 
open ground. The particular topographical habitats that seem 
most suitable for it are the heads of ravines and the steep slopes 
of drainage channels, especially near their source. The seeds 
are normally avevectant, yet one sometimes wonders just how 
they came to be lodged in the particular situations where they 
are often found. The seedling develops into a bushy shrub, from 
1 to 2 meters in diameter, with very thick, tough, leathery leaves. 
From their position the plants obtain little water during the 
dry season and the extreme xerophytic adaptations bespeak the 
same condition. The peculiar grayish green of the leaves of 
Ficus indica makes it possible to locate the heads of the drainage 
channels from a distance. The root system is extensive, but 
the shoot system is decidedly not in comparison. Everywhere 
this species is a pioneer, and one which stands but little com- 
petition. Consequently its further distribution is limited to new 
fields. Ficus indica was the first of the shrubs to invade the 
higher ground and in April, 1914, was the commonest of the 
shrubs present on the highest ridges, in addition being the only 
shrub present inside the crater. Occasionally bushes of Psidium 
guajava and Ficus ulmifolia appear to be associated with Ficus 
indica at lower elevations. 
The Tabernaemontana consocies. — A pioneer consocies of small 
shrubs which is invading the grassland from many centers of 
distribution between altitudes of 15 and 125 meters is charac- 
terized by the dominant species, Tabernaemontana subglobosa. 
This consocies differs from most of the others in its ability to 
invade the crests of ridges, whereas the sides are the usual 
points of invasion. The seeds become established both in dense 
grass and in the spaces between clumps and the shrubs grow 
to a height of 1.5 meters. Although the consocies is best rep- 
resented on the fairly steep ash slopes which radiate from the 
crater, it is there very likely to be mixed in with other con- 
socies. On the crests of ridges it stands out distinctly. 
After establishment this species is rather intolerant and so 
disappears as taller shrubs or trees invade its areas. Where 
fires occur it keeps on by sprouts, thus contributing to the 
