OF THE MALDIVB ISLANDS. 
157 
of Pandanus soon appear as the islet grows, and when there 
is a large drier central part Guettarda speciosa and Hernan- 
dia peltata are usually to be found. Pemphis also occurs, 
but is only common in rocky islands. In the southern atoll 
of Suvadiva the beach jungle includes much Pandanus at the 
expense of the Scævola and Tournefortia. On rocky islands 
the beach jungle is much loftier in growth, and includes 
the large species of Pandanus, Allophylus Cobbe, Hernandia 
peltata, Acalypha fallax, Premna integrifolia, Barringtonia 
speciosa. Banyans, Calophyllum Inophyllum, &c. 
The contrast between the marginal jungle of forming 
beaches and those which are washing away (only when 
latter are rocky) is very remarkable. The former have 
Scævola and Tournefortia, with the shore herbs outside 
them, the latter only Pemphis acidula, which may often be 
found with its roots washed by the water. The presence of 
this species in a continuous belt near the water regularly 
indicates a washing away of a rocky beach. In the case of 
a sandy islet washing away, the process is generally very 
much more rapid, so fast indeed that there can be no 
definite flora. Should a period of rest or of very slow 
erosion set in — a period which is characterized by the 
formation of large masses of sandstone in the beach — 
Pemphis begins to assume the same dominance, and forms 
with the sandstone an important barrier against the further 
encroachment of the sea. The near approach of the sea 
does not, except very slowly, kill hard-wooded trees except 
banyans. Softer shrubs sicken, die, and are replaced by 
Pemphis. Pemphis is rarely found until the island is 
washing away. Tournefortia remains until the water 
begins to actually wash its roots with every high tide, and 
then it dies. Pemphis flourishes best where its roots are 
regularly washed by the tide, and will stand thus for many 
years. It has a remarkably hard red wood which resists 
decay and all destructive organisms. Its biological position 
compares with that of willows and withes grown by the 
