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Fimbristylis cymosa is common on. the south and nortnwest lsxanas 
particularly under the Cocos groves and in disturbed sites. It is difficult 
to say whether this species is native or introduced. The first collection 
was made in 1924. The succulent herb Fleurya ruderalls is commonly found 
in sand in open areas or within the Cocos and Pisonia groves. In the more 
mesic environments this species tends to grow taller and less compact than 
those plants in open situations. Another common herb with trailing stems 
and pink flowers, Boerhavia species, is found over the island usually in 
open, sandy sites. The specimens which were collected earlier in this 
century have been referred to B. tetrandra and B. diffusa var. tetrandra . 
Recently another epithet has been used for the Boerhavia found on Christams 
Island - Boerhavia repens (see Chock, and Hamilton, 1962) One of the most 
important species of the native vegetation is Pisonia grandis . A large 
stand of this species is found in the middle portion of the northwest island 
Trees in this grove are approximately 11 m. high forming the usual thick 
canopy with dense shade beneath. Away from the road inside the stand no 
other species were found. A thick litter layer and numerous sprouts from 
fallen trunks were observed. Along the road which cuts through the forest 
Boerhavia and Fleurya were common. In wide, open spaces and near the north 
end of the stand where Tournefortia is encountered Pandanus is found. Be¬ 
neath the Pisonia stand the characteristic phosphatization was found. In 
the upper layers the sandy soils had been cemented together* This type of 
semi-hard rock gave way to a light colored hard rock about 3 dm. below the 
hiiTmiR laver (which is verv thin, perhaps no more than 2-3 cm. deep in a 
south island among the Cocos .groves. It was not abundant. It has been 
collected from the northwest island and occurs on Washington and Christmas 
also collected on Tongareva and Caroline 
Islands in the Line Group and was 
Atolls further south. 
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