57 
The Vegetation 
The removal of guano and the subsequent leveling of the sandy marginal 
areas have resulted in the production of a sandy soil over most of the surface 
of the island. This disruption of the soil layers has resulted in a mixture of 
the pre-European plant associations. In 1964 Le pturus was observed as common on 
theiinterior of the island especially in those areas along the runway where the 
sand from the margin of the island had been distributed, gortula c a lutga , 
Boerhavia sp., Lepturus and/or the introduced Pigitaria form ^association 
on the north, east and south sides of the island of varying widths. Si— 
is commonly found with this association towards the inner portion of the island. 
Small pure stands of all of the native species can be found in sites which were 
laid bare during the Second World War occupation. On the west sand ridge 
Leoturus. Digitaria and Boerhavia form a local associati on with sc ^ tt ^ e ^_ 
pure stands of the two grass species. Tribulus is found in pure stands on 
disturbed sites near the center of the island. 
Summary 
1. Twenty-four species of vascular plants have been recorded and/or 
collected from Baker Island. Eleven attempted introductions are also recoraea. 
2. The native plant species and the associations formed irom these 
have changed drastically in the past century. The native species have extende 
their range over the surface of the island due to the change in the substrate. 
The natural plant aaaociatlons found by Hague about l86l have been disrupted In 
area and content with the admixture of introduced plant species notably uigitar i_ 
These associations have also extended in area spreading over formerly bare 
guano areas. 
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3. No vegetation and bird interaction can be noted at this stage in 
the recovery of the island. Small amounts of guano are being deposited which 
doubtless contribute to the healthy appearance of the vegetation after the 
infrequent rains. 
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