Floral Assessment of the Proposed Malgretoute Hotel Development, Soufriere.

Consultant Roger S. Graveson.

Components of Assessment ............................................................................................................................................... 3

Site Visits ............................................................................................................................................................................ 3

Notes on Flagging of Shrubs and Trees............................................................................................................................ 3

Full List of Species (on the site?) ...................................................................................................................................... 4

Species of Interest .............................................................................................................................................................10 List .................................................................................................................................................................................10 Capparis baducca ..........................................................................................................................................................10 Capparis baducca ..........................................................................................................................................................11 Cedrela odorata .............................................................................................................................................................12 Coccoloba venosa ..........................................................................................................................................................14 Cordia alliodora ............................................................................................................................................................15 Cordia alliodora ............................................................................................................................................................16 Gonolobus iyanolensis ...................................................................................................................................................18 Picrasma excelsa ............................................................................................................................................................18 Picrasma excelsa ............................................................................................................................................................19 Tournefortia filiflora ......................................................................................................................................................20 Tournefortia filiflora ......................................................................................................................................................21

Description of Flora ..........................................................................................................................................................23 Site Divisions .................................................................................................................................................................23 The Site Overall .............................................................................................................................................................24 Area 1 Queen’s Chain, North Coastal section and adjoining private land .....................................................................25 Area 2 South Of The Malgretoute Home, Between The Jalousie Road And Coast .......................................................25 Area 2 South Of The Malgretoute Home, Between The Jalousie Road And Coast .......................................................26 Area 2 South Of The Malgretoute Home, Between The Jalousie Road And Coast .......................................................27 Area 2 South Of The Malgretoute Home, Between The Jalousie Road And Coast .......................................................28 Area 2a Petit Piton Steep Slope......................................................................................................................................28 Area 2b Southern Area, Flanking Petit Piton ................................................................................................................29 Area 2c Northern Area, Reaching The Malgretoute Home ............................................................................................30 Area 2c Northern Area, Reaching The Malgretoute Home ............................................................................................31 Area 2d Queen’s Chain South ........................................................................................................................................31 Area 2d Queen’s Chain South ........................................................................................................................................32 Area 3a Between Jalousie Road And The Ravine ..........................................................................................................33 Area 3b Ravines .............................................................................................................................................................34 Area 3c Hillside Inland (East) of Ravines ......................................................................................................................35 Area 3c Hillside Inland (East) of Ravines ......................................................................................................................36 Area 3d ...........................................................................................................................................................................36 Area 3d ...........................................................................................................................................................................37 Area 3d ...........................................................................................................................................................................38 Area 3d ...........................................................................................................................................................................39

Recommendations .............................................................................................................................................................40 Concerns ........................................................................................................................................................................40 Area 1 .............................................................................................................................................................................41 Area 2a ...........................................................................................................................................................................41 Area 2b ...........................................................................................................................................................................41

Area 2c ...........................................................................................................................................................................41 Area 2d ...........................................................................................................................................................................41 Area 3a ...........................................................................................................................................................................42 Area 3b ...........................................................................................................................................................................42 Area 3c ...........................................................................................................................................................................42 Area 3d ...........................................................................................................................................................................42 Strong Recommendations ..............................................................................................................................................43

Conclusion .........................................................................................................................................................................43

Recommendations for Planting ........................................................................................................................................44

Components of Assessment

1. Analysis of the habitat(s) found on site.

2. Identification of plant species found on site where possible.

3. Collection of specimens for identification at a herbarium if unknown.

4. Flagging with orange tape of trees to be preserved.

5. Preparation of a full floral list with botanical name (and local name when possible)

6. Preparation of a list of species of interest, with images and brief report on each.

7. Preparation of a report analyzing and illustrating the overall flora.

8. Recommendations, including mitigations

9. Suggested plantings.

Site Visits

Five site visits were made during which the site was analyzed, with notes and images taken. No

new species were found, so component 3 was not required.

Notes on Flagging of Shrubs and Trees

Cedrela odorata (red cedar, acajou), is found throughout the site in large numbers and is very

recognizable. It has therefore not been flagged.

Coccoloba venosa, another species of interest, is found in large numbers in a few spots and in

such areas not all were flagged.

In general an attempt was made to flag native trees, and species of interest of a reasonable size.

However saplings were not flagged. On a site this size it must also be assumed some specimens

have been missed.

No specimens were flagged on the steep ravine sides or in the ravines themselves, or in area 3d a

small piece of mature xeric woodland - see recommendations.

It is necessary to refer to the recommendations section with regard to preservations of

trees.

Full List of Species (on the site?)

Acanthaceae Blechum pyramidatum (Lamarck) Urban Zo nwè. Fonn san.

Acanthaceae Justicia secunda Vahl St. John’s Bush

Acanthaceae Odontonema nitidum (Jacquin) Kuntze Chapantyé gwan bwa

Acanthaceae Ruellia tuberosa Linnaeus Ti patat

Acanthaceae Teliostachya alopecuroidea (Vahl) Nees

Acanthaceae Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims

Agavaceae Furcraea tuberosa (Miller) W. T. Aiton

Amaranthaceae Achyranthes aspera Linnaeus Man-better-man

Amaranthaceae Alternanthera brasiliana (Linnaeus) Kuntz

Amaranthaceae Alternanthera flavescens Kunth

Amaranthaceae Amaranthus dubius Martius ex Thellung Zèpina

Amaranthaceae Cyathula prostrata (Linnaeus) Blume

Amaranthaceae Gomphrena serrata Linnaeus

Anacardiaceae Anacardium occidentale Linnaeus Ponm acajou. Nwa. Cashew.

Anacardiaceae Mangifera indica Linnaeus Mango

Anacardiaceae Spondias dulcis Parkinson Ponmsité. Golden apple.

Anacardiaceae Spondias mombin Linnaeus Mouben. Hog plum.

Anacardiaceae Spondias purpurea Linnaeus Pwin. Plum.

Annonaceae Annona muricata Linnaeus Kòsòl. Soursop.

Annonaceae Annona reticulata Linnaeus Kachiman blan. Custard apple.

Annonaceae Annona squamosa Linnaeus

Apiaceae Hydrocotyle verticillata Thunberg Pawasol djab. Pawasol demou.

Apocynaceae Gonolobus iyanolensis Krings

Apocynaceae Rauvolfia viridis

Willdenow ex Roemer &

Schultes Bwa let

Apocynaceae Tabernaemontana citrifolia Linnaeus Bwa let

Araceae Alocasia cucullata (Loureiro) G. Don ‘Pot plant”

Araceae Alocasia macrorrhizos (Linnaeus) G. Don Malanga. Giant (upright) tayo.

Araceae Caladium bicolor (Aiton) Ventenat Koko shak

Araceae Dieffenbachia seguine (Jacquin) Schott

Kann wivyé. Kann bwilé.

Dumbcane.

Araceae Epipremnum pinnatum

(Linnaeus) Engler

‘Aureum’ Nicolson Golden pothos

Araceae Philodendron consanguineum Schott

Araceae Syngonium podophyllum Schott Arrowhead vine.

Arecaceae Cocos nucifera Linnaeus Koko. Coconut.

Arecaceae Roystonea oleracea (Jacquin) O.F. Cook Palmis. Royal palm

Asteraceae Bidens cynapiifolia Kunth Zèb a zédjwi

Asteraceae Bidens pilosa Linnaeus Zèb a zédjwi

Asteraceae Eclipta prostrata (Linnaeus) Linnaeus Konngolala.

Asteraceae Elephantopus mollis Kunth

Asteraceae Emilia fosbergii Nicolson

Asteraceae Emilia sonchifolia (Linnaeus) de Candolle

Asteraceae Mikania micrantha Kunth Kacho

Asteraceae Porophyllum ruderale (Jacquin) Cassini

Asteraceae Pseudelephantopus spicatus

(B. Jussieu ex Aublet) C. F.

Baker Tèt nèg

Asteraceae Rolandra fruticosa (Linnaeus) Kuntze Tèt nèg

Asteraceae Sphagneticola trilobata (Linnaeus) J. F. Pruski Venvenn kawayib

Asteraceae Synedrella nodiflora (Linnaeus) Gaertner

Asteraceae Tridax procumbens Linnaeus

Asteraceae Vernonia cinerea (Linnaeus) Lessing

Asteraceae Wedelia calycina Richard Bwa sousouwi. Bwa sòlèy.

Basellaceae Anredera vesicaria (Lamarck) C. F. Gaertner Djéwi tout

Bignoniaceae Crescentia cujete Linnaeus Kalba.

Bignoniaceae Cydista aequinoctialis (Linnaeus) Miers

Bignoniaceae Macfadyena unguis-cati (Linnaeus) A. Gentry

Bignoniaceae Tabebuia heterophylla (de Candolle) Britton Pòwyé. White Cedar.

Bignoniaceae Tecoma stans (Linnaeus) Jussieu ex Kunth

Boraginaceae Bourreria succulenta Jacquin

Boraginaceae Cordia alliodora (Ruiz López & Pavón) Oken Sip

Boraginaceae Cordia collococca Linnaeus Sip

Boraginaceae Cordia sulcata A. de Candolle Sip blan

Boraginaceae Tournefortia filiflora Grisebach

Boraginaceae Tournefortia volubilis Linnaeus

Bromeliaceae Pitcairnia angustifolia aiton Kawata

Bromeliaceae Tillandsia species Kawata

Burseraceae Bursera simaruba (Linnaeus) Sargent Gonmyé modi

Cannacaeae Canna indica Linnaeus Toloman

Capparaceae Capparis baducca Linnaeus

Capparaceae Capparis indica (Linnaeus) Druce Bwa puant

Capparaceae Morisonia americana Linnaeus

Caricaceae Carica papaya Linnaeus Papay. Papaya.

Caryophyllaceae Drymaria cordata

(Linnaeus) Willdenow ex

Schultes

Celastraceae Gyminda latifolia (Swartz) Urban

Cleomaceae Cleome gynandra Linnaeus

Cleomaceae Cleome rutidosperma de Candolle

Clusiaceae Clusia plukenettii Urban Awali

Combretaceae Terminalia catappa Linnaeus Zamann. Almond.

Commelinaceae Callisia repens (Jacquin) Linnaeus

Commelinaceae Commelina diffusa Burman f. Zèb gwa

Commelinaceae Cyanotis cristata (Linnaeus) D. Don

Commelinaceae Gibasis geniculata (Jacquin) Rohweder

Convolvulaceae Ipomoea batatas (Linnaeus) Lamarck Patat. Sweet potato

Convolvulaceae Ipomoea tiliacea (Willdenow) Choisy Lyenn dous

Convolvulaceae Merremia aegyptia (Linnaeus) Urban

Convolvulaceae Merremia dissecta (Jacquin) Hallier f. Noyò

Crassulaceae Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lamarck) Oken Kawakté lézòm. Leaf-of-Life.

Cucurbitaceae Cayaponia americana (Lamarck) Cogniaux

Cucurbitaceae Melothria pendula Linnaeus Konmonm kouli

Cucurbitaceae Momordica charantia Linnaeus Konmonm kouli

Cucurbitaceae Psiguria umbrosa (Kunth) C. Jeffrey

Cycadaceae Cycas species Easter palm

Dioscoraceae Dioscorea alata Linnaeus Bandja. Wild yam

Erythroxylaceae Erythroxylum havanense Jacquin Bwa vinet

Euphorbiaceae Croton bixoides Vahl Ti bonm blan. Gwo bonm.

Euphorbiaceae Croton lobatus Linnaeus

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia graminea Jacquin

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia heterophylla Linnaeus

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia hirta Linnaeus Zeb malnonmen

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia hyssopifolia Linnaeus

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia oerstediana

(Klotzsch & Garcke)

Boissier

Euphorbiaceae Jatropha curcas Linnaeus Medsinnyé benni

Euphorbiaceae Ricinus communis Linnaeus Makwisti. Castor oil

Fab.-

Caesalpinioideae Bauhinia galpinii N. E. Brown

Fab.-

Caesalpinioideae Bauhinia monandra Kurz

Fab.-

Caesalpinioideae Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Linnaeus) Swartz Flè makata

Fab.-

Caesalpinioideae Chamaecrista glandulosa (Linnaeus) Greene Ti tanmawen

Fab.-

Caesalpinioideae Delonix regia

(Bojer ex Hooker)

Rafinesque Flanboyan

Fab.-

Caesalpinioideae Haematoxylum campechianum Linnaeus Kanpèch

Fab.-

Caesalpinioideae Senna obtusifolia

(Linnaeus) H.S. Irwin &

Barneby Soumatjé

Fab.-

Caesalpinioideae Senna occidentalis (Linnaeus) Link Kafé zèpyant

Fab.-

Caesalpinioideae Tamarindus indica Linnaeus Tamarind.Tanmawen

Fab.-Faboideae Abrus precatorius Linnaeus Gwenn légliz

Fab.-Faboideae Aeschynomene americana Linnaeus

Fab.-Faboideae Alysicarpus vaginalis (Linnaeus) de Candolle

Fab.-Faboideae Cajanus cajan (Linnaeus) Millspaugh Pwa angòl. Pigeon pea.

Fab.-Faboideae Centrosema virginianum (Linnaeus) Bentham

Fab.-Faboideae Centrosema pubescens Bentham

Fab.-Faboideae Crotalaria pallida Aiton Chakchak

Fab.-Faboideae Crotalaria retusa Linnaeus Chakchak

Fab.-Faboideae Desmodium incanum de Candolle Sweethearts

Fab.-Faboideae Desmodium scorpiurus (Swartz) Desvaux

Fab.-Faboideae Desmodium tortuosum (Swartz) de Candolle

Fab.-Faboideae Desmodium triflorum (Linnaeus) de Candolle

Fab.-Faboideae Desmodium velutinum (Willdenow) de Candolle

Fab.-Faboideae Flemingia strobilifera (Linnaeus) W. T. Aiton Zèb sèk

Fab.-Faboideae Gliricidia sepium (Jacquin) Kunth ex Walpers Glory Cedar

Fab.-Faboideae Lablab purpureus (Linnaeus) Sweet Pwa boukousou. Pwa senm.

Fab.-Faboideae Lonchocarpus punctatus Kunth Ti savonnèt

Fab.-Faboideae Macroptilium lathyroides (Linnaeus) Urban

Fab.-Faboideae Mucuna pruriens (Linnaeus) de Candolle

Kafé gwo bouwo. Kafé mal

kochon.

Fab.-Faboideae Teramnus labialis (Linnaeus f.) Sprengel

Fab.-Faboideae Vigna hosei (Craib) Backer Ti pwa jòn

Fab.-Faboideae Vigna luteola (Jacquin) Bentham Pwa zombi

Fab.-Faboideae Vigna unguiculata (Linnaeus) Walpers

Fab.-Mimosoideae Adenanthera pavonina Linnaeus Dalmawi

Fab.-Mimosoideae Calliandra tergemina (Linnaeus) Bentham Bwa patat. Bwa (lyenn) myan.

Fab.-Mimosoideae Desmanthus virgatus (Linnaeus) Willdenow

Fab.-Mimosoideae Inga ingoides (Richard) Willdenow Kakoli

Fab.-Mimosoideae Inga laurina (Swartz) Willdenow Pwa dou.

Fab.-Mimosoideae Leucaena leucocephala (Lamarck) de Wit Leucaena

Fab.-Mimosoideae Mimosa camporum Bentham

Fab.-Mimosoideae Mimosa casta Linnaeus Kwòk chyen

Fab.-Mimosoideae Mimosa pudica Linnaeus Mari hont. Ti mari.

Fab.-Mimosoideae Pithecellobium unguis-cati (Linnaeus) Bentham Bebel

Fab.-Mimosoideae Samanea saman (Jacquin) Merrill Saman

Fab.-Mimosoideae Senegalia riparia

(Kunth) Britton & Rose ex

Britton & Killip Zanmouwèt

Fab.-Mimosoideae Vachellia farnesiana (Linnaeus) Wight & Arnott Zakasya

Iridaceae Trimezia martinicensis (Jacquin ) Herbert Koko chat

Lamiaceae Hyptis atrorubens Poiteau

Lamiaceae Hyptis verticillata Jacquin

Lamiaceae Ocimum gratissimum Linnaeus Bwa gazon. (Mal) fonbwazen.

Lauraceae Cinnamomum verum J. Presl Kannèl. Cinnamon

Lauraceae Persea americana Miller Zabòka. Pear. Avocado.

Linderniaceae Lindernia crustacea (Linnaeus) F. Mueller

Lythraceae Cuphea micrantha Kunth

Malpighiaceae Heteropterys purpurea (Linnaeus) Kunth

Malvaceae Ceiba pentandra (Linnaeus) Gaertner Fwonmajé

Malvaceae Guazuma ulmifolia Lamarck Bwa lonm

Malvaceae Malvaviscus penduliflorus de Candolle

Malvaceae Sida acuta Burman f. Balyé wonzè.

Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia Linnaeus Balyé wonzè.

Malvaceae Theobroma cacao Linnaeus Kako. Cocoa

Malvaceae Thespesia populnea

(Linnaeus) Solander ex

Corrêa Maho bòd lanmè.

Malvaceae Triumfetta lappula Linnaeus Tèt nèg

Malvaceae Triumfetta semitriloba Jacquin Tèt nèg

Malvaceae Urena lobata Linnaeus Pikan kouzen

Malvaceae Urena sinuata Linnaeus Pikan kouzen

Marantaceae Maranta arundinacea Linnaeus Mouchas babad. Djitan. Arrowroot

Melastomataceae Clidemia hirta (Linnaeus) D. Don Kaka mèl

Melastomataceae Miconia cornifolia (Desrousseaux) Naudin Bwa kòt. Bwa savann.

Melastomataceae Miconia laevigata (Linnaeus) D. Don

Melastomataceae Tetrazygia discolor (Linnaeus) de Candolle

Meliaceae Cedrela odorata Linnaeus Acajou. Red cedar.

Meliaceae Melia azedarach Linnaeus Chinaberry

Menispermaceae Hyperbaena domingensis (de Candolle) Bentham

Moraceae Castilla elastica Sessé y Lacasta kaotchou, Rubber tree

Moraceae Ficus citrifolia Miller Fijé

Moraceae Maclura tinctoria

(Linnaeus) D. Don ex

Steudel Bwa dowanj

Myrtaceae Eugenia ligustrina (Swartz) Willdenow Bwa heti

Myrtaceae Eugenia monticola (Swartz) de Candolle

Myrtaceae Myrcia citrifolia (Aublet) Urban Bwa gwiyé . Blackberry.

Myrtaceae Pimenta racemosa (Miller) J. W. Moore Bwaden. Bay leaf

Myrtaceae Psidium guajava Linnaeus Gwiyav. Guava

Nyctaginaceae Boerhavia diffusa Linnaeus Patagon

Nyctaginaceae Guapira fragrans (Dumont de Courset) Little Mapou

Onagraceae Ludwigia erecta (Linnaeus) H. Hara Jiwòf dlo

Onagraceae Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacquin) P.H. Raven Jiwòf dlo

Orchidaceae Epidendrum anceps Jacquin

Orchidaceae Epidendrum boricuarum Hágsater & Sánchez Mata

Orchidaceae Epidendrum ciliare Linnaeus

Orchidaceae Oeceoclades maculata (Lindley) Lindley

Orchidaceae Polystachya concreta

(Jacquin) Garay & H.R.

Sweet

Oxalidaceae Oxalis barrelieri Linnaeus

Oxalidaceae Oxalis corniculata Linnaeus Ti siwèt

Passifloraceae Passiflora laurifolia Linnaeus Ponm di lyenn

Phyllanthaceae Margaritaria nobilis Linnaeus f. Bwa mil bwanch. Bwa zo bèf.

Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus amarus Thonning Gwenn anba fèy blan

Phyllanthaceae Phyllanthus urinaria Walter Gwenn anba fèy wouj

Phytolaccaceae Petiveria alliacea Linnaeus Fèy douvan. Mawi pouwi.

Phytolaccaceae Rivina humilis Linnaeus

Phytolaccaceae Trichostigma octandrum (Linnaeus) H. Walter

Piperaceae Piper amalago Linnaeus Bwa mal lèstomak

Piperaceae Piper dilatatum Richard Malenbé. Bwa mal lèstomak.

Plantaginaceae Mecardonia procumbens (Miller) Small

Plumbaginaceae Plumbago scandens Linnaeus

Polygalaceae Securidaca diversifolia (Linnaeus) S. F. Blake Lyenn pak

Polygonaceae Antigonon leptopus Hooker & Arnott

Polygonaceae Coccoloba pubescens Linnaeus Bwa gwan fèy

Polygonaceae Coccoloba swartzii Meisner Bwa lanmowi. Wézinyé.

Polygonaceae Coccoloba venosa Linnaeus

Portulacaceae Talinum fruticosum (Linnaeus) Jussieu

Rhamnaceae Gouania lupuloides (Linnaeus) Urban Lyenn savon

Rubiaceae Borreria prostrata (Aublet) Miquel Ti makònèt

Rubiaceae Borreria remota

(Lamarck) Bacigalupo & E.

L. Cabral Ti makònèt

Rubiaceae Borreria verticillata (Linnaeus) G. Meyer Ti makònèt

Rubiaceae Chiococca alba (Linnaeus) Hitchcock Kalkan

Rubiaceae Coffea species Kafé.Coffee.

Rubiaceae Gonzalagunia spicata (Lamarck) Gómez de la Maza y Jiménez

Rubiaceae Guettarda odorata (Jacquin) Lamarck Bwa djèt

Rubiaceae Guettarda scabra (Linnaeus) Lamarck Bwa madanm

Rubiaceae Ixora finlaysoniana Wallich ex G. Don

Rubiaceae Morinda citrifolia Linnaeus Kòsòl chyenn. Noni.

Rubiaceae Vangueria madagascariensis J.F. Gmelin Tanmawen dezenn

Ruscaceae Sansevieria hyacinthoides (Linnaeus) Druce

Lanng bèlmè. Mother-in-law’s

tongue.

Ruscaceae Sansevieria trifasciata Prain

Lanng bèlmè. Mother-in-law’s

tongue.

Rutaceae Citrus aurantiifolia

(Christmann) Swingle (pro

sp.) Siton. Lime.

Rutaceae Citrus species Various citrus fruit

Rutaceae Triphasia trifolia (Burman f.) P. Wilson Sitonnèl. Sweet lime

Rutaceae Zanthoxylum caribaeum Lamarck Lépini wouj.

Salicaceae Casearia decandra Jacquin Bwa koko kawèt

Sapindaceae Blighia sapida K. D. König Jamaican ackee

Sapindaceae Melicoccus bijugatus Jacquin Chennèt. Ginep. Ackee.

Sapindaceae Paullinia cururu Linnaeus Lyenn pèsi

Sapindaceae Paullinia pinnata Linnaeus Lyenn pèsi

Sapotaceae Chrysophyllum argenteum Jacquin Bwi. Bwi kayamit.

Scrophulariaceae Capraria biflora Linnaeus Dité péyi

Simaroubaceae Picrasma excelsa (Swartz) Planchon Bwa amer

Simaroubaceae Simarouba amara Aublet Sip amé

Solanaceae Cestrum alternifolium (Jacquin) O.E. Schulz

Solanaceae Physalis angulata Linnaeus Pok pok.

Solanaceae Solanum torvum Swartz Béléjenn djab

Thymeleaceae Daphnopsis americana (Miller) J. R. Johnston Maho pimen

Turneraceae Piriqueta cistoides (Linnaeus) Grisebach

Ulmaceae Celtis iguanaea (Jacquin) Sargent

Urticaceae Cecropia schreberiana Miquel Bwa kannon

Urticaceae Laportea aestuans (Linnaeus) Chew zoti

Urticaceae Phenax sonneratii (Poiret) Weddell

Verbenaceae Aegiphila martinicensis Jacquin Bwa kabwit

Verbenaceae Citharexylum spinosum Linnaeus Bwa kòtlèt

Verbenaceae Lantana strigocamara R. W. Sanders Jiwòf flè. Bwa wa tou. Pis a bed.

Verbenaceae Petrea volubilis Linnaeus Lyenn wid.

Verbenaceae Priva lappulacea (Linnaeus) Persoon Ti dayi

Verbenaceae Stachytarpheta species Vèvenn latjé wat

Verbenaceae Vitex divaricata Swartz Bwa léza

Vitaceae Cissus verticillata

(Linnaeus) Nicolson & C. E.

Jarvis Godmo

Zingiberaceae Curcuma longa Linnaeus Tjitima. Turmeric.

Species of Interest

List

Status Family Genus

Species

epiphet Author(s) Common name(s)

Indigenous Polygonaceae Capparis baducca Linnaeus

Indigenous Meliaceae Cedrela odorata Linnaeus Acajou. Red cedar.

Indigenous Polygonaceae Coccoloba venosa Linnaeus

Indigenous Boraginaceae Cordia alliodora (Ruiz López &

Pavón) Oken Sip

St. Lucian endemic Apocynaceae Gonolobus iyanolensis Krings

Indigenous Simaroubaceae Picrasma excelsa (Swartz) Planchon Bwa amer

Caribbean endemic Boraginaceae Tournefortia filiflora Grisebach

Capparis baducca

Capparis baducca is a skinny shrub in the family Capparaceae. It is very rare in St. Lucia and is

found on dry coastal cliffs and woodland. Its distribution is South and Central America and the

Caribbean. There is a population in the Petit Piton base (area 2 b). It is very drought resistant and

will survive the full sun of the dry season when the red cedar loses its leaves.

Cedrela odorata

Cedrela odorata is a medium to large tree of the family Meliaceae. It is known locally as acajou or

red cedar. It is found throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America. However in St.

Lucia its distribution is more or less confined to mesic areas in the parish of Soufriere. It has become

much rarer over the years because of development and over exploitation. It is not found in the

rainforest. It appears to be under threat elsewhere as well as it is Cites-listed. Refer to:

http://sea.unep-wcmc.org/isdb/CITES/Taxonomy/tax-species-

result.cfm?Genus=Cedrela&Species=odorata&source=plants&tabname=status

This magnificent tree is the dominant wild species on the site especially areas 1 and 2. (Petit Piton

area and the Queen’s Chain). Trees of all sizes are present, including many saplings. Clearly the

mesic semi-open conditions favour this species and this site is home to one of the largest populations

in St. Lucia.

Coccoloba venosa

Coccoloba venosa is a shrub/small tree in the sea-grape family Polygonaceae.

I have found a few specimens on Grande Anse Estate and a few in Choiseul ravines. In general it

likes mesic, semi-open conditions but has been observed occasionally on cliffs south of

Balenbouche. The conditions on this site suit this species and it is found throughout the site and in

quite large numbers on the higher slopes of area 3 c. The site contains the largest population known

in St. Lucia.

Cordia alliodora

This is a medium-sized tree in the family Boraginaceae and one of the sip trees found in St. Lucia.

Its range includes the Caribbean, and South and Central America. Unlike Cordia collococca which is

also found on the site, Cordia alliodora is extremely rare in St. Lucia. The local name sip is derived

from the French word Cypre or Cyprus tree and describes the horizontal branching pattern of these

Cordias. I have observed a small population on the northern approach to Soufriere but fewer trees

are observed each year due to development. Visual scanning the adjacent hills has not shown many

other specimens – this tree has a mass of white flowers in December/January and is at this time easy

to spot. There may also be a couple of trees close to C. O Williams, Bois D'Orange (not confirmed)

again under threat of habitat loss. It may have always been rare in St. Lucia or over-exploited for its

valuable timber, or both.

This tree is quite found throughout the site at low density, with some full-sized trees. I have not

found this species on the Pitons, probably as it is too dry and it has never been found in the

rainforest. The mesic (moderately wet) semi-open conditions of the whole site seem to favour this

species and the population on site is much larger than the total number of trees I have observed

previously.

International information

The wood is used for boat decking, furniture, cabinetry and sometimes substitutes for mahogany or

teak. Refer to: http://www.rngr.net/Publications/ttsm/Folder.2003-07-11.4726/PDF.2004-01-12.0231/file.

Gonolobus iyanolensis

This species is an herbaceous vine with milky sap in the Apocynaceae. It used to be called

Gonolobus martinicensis and included specimens from other Lesser Antillean islands. Some recent

research done by Alexander Krings in which I accompanied him to Gros Piton to collect specimens

resulted in our Gonolobus being described as a separate and single island endemic.

This species is rare and occurs in semi-open, often somewhat disturbed, mesic areas. The species

was found in the area 3 b (ravines). This habitat would favour this species. Individual plants cannot

be preserved like a tree but the preservation of the habitat would enable new plants to grow.

Picrasma excelsa

This is a medium-sized tree in the family Simaroubaceae. Its local name is sip amer (bitter cyprus –

its bark contains quassia, a bitter substance used in medicinal drugs.)

This attractive tree, found in the Caribbean, South and Central America is extremely rare in St.

Lucia, more or less confined to the Pitons area, and rare even here. It prefers semi-open mesic

conditions, including riversides and the conditions on this site suit it well. For that reason it is

relatively common here and is probably the largest population in St. Lucia.

Tournefortia filiflora

Tournefortia filiflora is a small tree or shrub found occasionally in the parish of Soufriere, very

rarely in Choiseul and probably absent elsewhere. It is a Caribbean endemic and is in the family

Boraginaceae.

It likes mesic semi-open conditions and its natural habitat is probably riversides at lower elevations.

This site provides ideal conditions and a couple of specimens were observed in the ravines. As a

shrub preservation of individuals is difficult but preservation of its ravine habitat would help.

Description of Flora

Site Divisions

The site has been roughly divided into various geographical areas:

1. The Queen’s Chain, north of the Malgretoute home, also including some private land.

2. The area south of the Malgretoute home, between the Jalousie road and the coast:

a) Petit Piton steep slope

b) the southern part, flanking Petit Piton

c) the northern part, reaching the Malgretoute home

d) Queen’s Chain south

3. The area west (inland) of the Jalousie road is subdivided into:

a) the section from the road sloping towards the ravine

b) the ravines area

c) the hillside on the eastern side of the ravine

d) a small steep area

The Site Overall

Most of the site appears quite lush, although at low elevation, the proximity of the high rainforest

of the Gimie range and the local effect of Petit Piton producing a rainfall higher than the St.

Lucian coastal average (however sharp droughts would be expected most years, though not

normally of very long duration). The vegetation reflects this and is basically xeric/mesic rather

than the normal coastal xeric. During the dry season some species would lose or reduce their

number of leaves. The vegetation is secondary, with varied degrees of disturbance, with no

primary habitat seen. In other words the whole site has been variously modified by human

activities, mainly farming, now casual but probably commercial in earlier times. Apart from

some pasture areas the whole area also has many good sized trees which form in some parts a

fairly complete canopy.

Area 1 Queen’s Chain, North Coastal section and adjoining private land

The Queen’s chain section is vegetatively very disturbed and degraded with signs of small

gardens, fruit trees, vines such as wild Dioscorea alata (bandja), interspersed with some wild

trees, particularly Cordia collococca (sip) and Cedrela odorata (acajou, red cedar). The best red

cedars are found on the northern part.

The area between the Malgretoute road and Jalousie road is again much modified, with quite a

lot of pasture, fruit trees and wild trees and shrubs.

The whole area is very steep with a number of dryish ravines with richer lusher vegetation and a

number of specimens of Tournefortia filiflora, a species of interest.

From beach looking inland

Casual gardens and secondary shrubs and vines

The naturalized Coral Vine (Antigonon leptopus) covering a sip Cordia collococca

A large red cedar on the Queen’s chain

Private land with pasture and guavas

Dry ravine passing through Queen’s chain.

Area 2 South Of The Malgretoute Home, Between The Jalousie Road And Coast

Area 2a Petit Piton Steep Slope

It appears that perhaps (?) a portion of the steep slopes of Petit Piton is included on this site. This is

covered by more or less native woodlands with a lot of Lonchocarpus punctatus (ti savonnèt).

Area 2b Southern Area, Flanking Petit Piton

This area is a relatively gently sloping quite rocky area. It merges with the steep slope of Petit Piton.

There are many quite large trees particularly Cedrela odorata (red cedar, acajou), Cordia collococca

(sip), and mango along with some breadfruit, mombin (hog plum), coconuts, Maclura tinctoria (bwa

dowanj) and Ficus citrifolia (fijé) which together provide a 50% canopy or more. This enables an

understory of smaller trees to thrive, including the rare Capparis baducca, a species of interest. The

most noticeable feature is the number and variety of fruit trees, (various citrus, cashew, sugar apple,

custard apple, soursop, Jamaican acki, chennnet, Indian tamarind (tanmawen dezen), guava,

tamarind, many of which are self-seeding and thriving in the parial shade and moist rich soil. There

is also a varied and full herbal cover, including a fern we have not seen before Thelypteris tetragona.

Two species of interest, Cordia alliodora and Picrasma excelsa are present particularly nearer the

Jalousie road. Many saplings of Cordia alliodora were seen suggesting it is establishing itself.

Although entirely a secondary formation, this area is quite rich and varied. In addition the canopy

cover gives the impression that the steep xeric woodlands of Petit Piton merge into a flatter lusher

woodland at the base.

Red cedars and a rich understory.

Ground cover

Area 2c Northern Area, Reaching The Malgretoute Home

This area is a more disturbed area than the northern part. While it contains the same elements,

there are more degraded pasture with guava, less wild trees, less fruit trees, and a more open

canopy cover. Closer to the Jalousie road there are Bauhinias, clearly planted, but now neglected

and persisting among secondary shrubs and vines.

Small pasture area with shrubs, mainly guava

Planted Bauhinias among secondary vines and shrubs

Area 2d Queen’s Chain South

This strip of land is quite gently sloping with a some wild trees mainly Cordia colococca and

shrubs. Not many specifically coastal plants are present suggesting that this is all secondary

growth (the coastal flora having been completetly removed in the past) but not as disturbed as the

northern Queen’s chain. One specimen of Coccoloba venosa, a species of interest, is found right

on the beach.

Area 3 East (Inland) Of The Jalousie Road

Area 3a Between Jalousie Road And The Ravine

There are some houses on the side of the road and associated gardens on the slopes leading to the

ravines. There are also some parts of small pasture, neglected fruit tress such as cocoa, and some

wild trees. All of this section is highly disturbed but quite shady in parts.

Area 3b Ravines

The site contains a ravine which divides in two. There is a grassy ridge between the two ravines. The ravines

have steep slopes with abundant and varied secondary vegetation of trees, shrubs and vines. All species of

interest occur in this area (excluding Capparis baducca). This includes the St. Lucia endemic Gonolobus

marticensis.

Many other native species are present, for example Lonchocarpus punctatus (ti savonnèt), Zanthoxylum

caribaeum (lépini wouj), Ficus citrifolia (fijé), Ceiba pentandra (fwonmajé), Piper dilatatum (malenbé),the

rare Piper amalago, Gouania lupuloides (lyenn savon), Hyperbaena domingensis, Margaritopsis microdon

(bwa genton).

Grassy ridge between the two ravines

Ravine from above

Main ravine

Area 3c Hillside Inland (East) of Ravines

This is a quite large area with quite steep to very steep slopes. In common with the rest of the site the

vegetation is secondary with signs of previous cultivation but apparently not very disturbed recently

except for a few cows. It is rather varied, with some shrubby areas, some grassy areas both with a

few large trees and some quite shady areas with large trees. The steepest part on the upper has some

bamboo.

A few Picrasma excelsa (sip amer) and Cordia alliodora (a rare sip) specimens are both present

closer to the ravine and along the northern boundary. As throughout the site Cedrela odorata is

present. Large numbers of Coccoloba venosa are present, forming thickets on the southernmost lots.

Upper boundary about half way along

Cow in small pasture

Tangle of vines and shrubs

Coccoloba venosa thicket

Area 3d

A steep rocky small area with some mature xeric woodland, including Bursera simaruba (gonmyé

modi), Eugenia ligustrina (bwa hetti) and the very rare Celtis iguanea and Morisonia americana.

Bursera simaruba in dry forest

Recommendations

Concerns

The site has no primary habitat, and is made up of secondary vegetation of varying degrees of

disturbance. However it is home to some very rare and rare species, some of which have quite large

populations. Also one part of the site is clearly part of the lower gentler slope of Petit Piton. In

addition there is one main ravine and a smaller tributary, with steep sides in this area of high rainfall

(about 220cm/year), draining a hill of about 200m altitude.

The development plan seems to require the development of the whole site. Even though it is a low

density development, access roads would be built throughout the site. The properties being built

would probably require a panoramic view which would necessitate the clearing of most of the large

trees. Possibly all vegetation might be removed to make construction easier. Removal of the canopy,

apart from affecting views of the area, would expose the soil to the fierce afternoon sun of Soufriere

and would result in aridity in the dry season and rapid water run off in the wet season. Lush

vegetation would no longer be supported, and floristically and scenically the area might resemble the

Anse Chastanet hillside visible across the bay. The species of interest would be severely impacted as

they are all species of semi-open moderately wet areas. Views of Petit Piton, especially from the sea,

would be greatly affected, the present natural–looking appearance becoming visually suburbanized

at the base.

In order to lessen these possible adverse consequences, I make the following recommendations:

Area 1

1. That the dry ravines be kept natural rather than be turned into storm drains. This would be more

attractive and also provide a home for Tournefortia volubilis, a species of interest, which is quite

common there.

2. That as many as possible of the large Cedrela odorata trees (red cedar, acajou – a species of

interest) be preserved.

Area 2a

1. That if the site includes any of the steeply-sloped sides of Petit Piton, they be left absolutely

untouched.

Area 2b

To repeat, this area is clearly part of the base of Petit Piton. Visually the dry woodlands of the steep

sides of Petit Piton merge with a lusher woodland at the base. The lusher woodland appearance is

created by the canopy of tall trees, mainly red cedar. This area is home to some mature specimens of

Cordia alliodora, Picrasma excelsa and Capparis baducca and many saplings of species on

interest. Although they could be spared felling they would not thrive in the open sunny dry

conditions which would be created. Any felling of these trees to allow construction and also to allow

the properties to have a sea view would fundamentally change the natural appearance of Petit Piton

itself.

1. That no development be allowed that results in the natural appearance of the base of Petit Piton

being changed – this can be achieved only by maintaining the present canopy intact.

Area 2c

This area is further removed from the steep slopes of Petit Piton, so development would not so

fundamentally change the appearance of Petit Piton.

1. That as many large trees and all specimens, including saplings of species of interest be preserved.

Area 2d

1. That the part of the Queen’s Chain south contiguous with Area 2b be maintained in its present

condition to preserve the natural appearance of Petit Piton.

Area 3a

1. That as many large trees as possible be preserved

2. That the ravines not be encroached upon.

Area 3b

The ravines are thickly vegetated and the river bed in quite good health. This results in less soil run

off in to the sea.

The development plan seems to place properties in the narrow grassy ridge between the ravines. This

would require massive modifications to the ravine area with construction of access roads and

creating a wide enough plot to build one. This whole ravine area has a rich flora including all

species of interest except Capparis baducca. It is also rich in bird life. The consequences of this

development would probably result in greatly increased soil run off into the sea. Given that the

development includes construction of properties on the moderately steep to steep slopes to the south

of the ravine, it is even more important that the ravines not be damaged so that they can absorb

some of the extra water and filter some of the soil particles which would result from this

development however carefully carried out.

1. That the whole ravine area, as delineated by a survey, be left untouched. This would provide a

permanent habitat for the species of interest and reduce the run off of soil into the sea and the risk of

flash floods.

Area 3c

This is a steep to moderately steep hillside with a varied appearance.

1. That the ravines not be encroached upon.

2. That as many large trees be preserved plus specimens of species of interest.

3. That any removal of vegetation cover be minimized to reduce soil run off ands possible landslips.

Area 3d

1. That this unusual area of mature rocky xeric woodland be preserved as a small nature reserve.

Strong Recommendations

I strongly recommend that no development be allowed in the ravines area (as delineated by a

survey).

I strongly recommend that no development of Petit Piton lower slope (area 2b approximately but a

survey would be required) that removes any of the canopy be permitted.

I strongly recommend that an independent but paid ‘conservation’ person be on site when any

clearing is done. This will preserve species of interest and other large native trees. It will also ensure

that the critical ravine area is not encroached upon, and that other conservation decisions be

implemented (flagging of specimens is no substitute for this as saplings were not flagged, some

specimens will have been missed, and flags can readily be removed).

Conclusion

Any development of this area will impact the environment. To mitigate the impacts requires that

parts of the site not be developed. At the moment every part of the site seems to be part of the

development and therefore it is difficult to see how the affects can be mitigated; muddy water will

run into the sea; the visual appearance of Petit Piton will be affected by clearing and building;

clearing of the canopy close to the Petit Piton and in the ravines will create much more arid

conditions so that the species of interest will not easily survive.

The critical mitigations which would help are already stated among the recommendations.

1. Preservation of the entire ravines area in its natural condition.

2. Retention of the complete canopy in area 2.

3. Retention of area 3d as a nature reserve.

Recommendations for Planting

One of my main overall recommendations is that the natural vegetation be spared as much as

possible and that certain rare species be encouraged, for example by identifying saplings and

allowing them to grow.

Nevertheless there will be cleared areas which will need replanting. I will not be suggesting

ornamentals, although an obvious source for ideas would be Diamond Gardens. It is always

potentially dangerous to introduce alien species and it is to be hoped that our established and very

varied ornamentals would be used.

Royal Palm, Roystonea oleracea, is already on the site and would grow well in the moderately wet

soil on the site.

Another very attractive palm, Syagra amara, which grows on hillsides in the Anse la Raye area

would probably do well in open conditions.

Latanyé palm, Coccothrinax barbadensis would grow well in the shade – Department of Forestry

has plants.

Petit Piton is home to a handful of attractive Juniper trees, Juniperus barbadensis var. barbadensis,

pencil cedar, apparently the only population in the world. Again it would be very useful

conservationally to plant some trees – there are plants that fruit at the Department of Forestry.

The Pitons are home to some very rare and attractive shrubs:

Justicia periplocifolia

Dicliptera marticensis

Salvia lamiifolia

These would grow well in rocky semi-shady moderately wet spots.

Petit Piton summit is home to a St. Lucia endemic, Bernardia laurentii, a tiny habitat. While it is

not an attractive plant, it would be a conservationally useful project to try and grow plants from

seeds and trying to establish a population in a sunny rocky spot.