Abstract
BERMUDA
FROM the two visits made by the Challenger to Bermuda we learn a good deal about the vegetation of that island. Along the coast, which in some parts is irregular and rocky, and in others of a sandy nature, frequently with heaps of drifted sand, may be seen in abundance a species of Borrichia, a low shrub belonging to the composites, B. arborescens D.C. being common in the West Indian Islands, and noted for having both glabrous and silvery leaves on the same plant, as well as the two forms on separate plants. In close proximity to the Borrichia was seen Tournefortia gnaphalodes R.Br., a Boragineous shrub from 2 to 6 feet high, with white flowers and downy leaves, and Ipomæa pes-caprcs Sw. with its long stem, which frequently creeps to 100 feet or more, and its purple flowers. In the crevices of the rocks grow Euphorbia glabrata V., a shrubby glabrous plant common to the West Indies, and on the shores of Florida, Honduras, &c. A species of Tamarix is also abundant, as well as Conocarpus erectus L., and Coccoloba uvifera Jacq., known in the West Indies as the seaside grape, from the violet-coloured, pulpy acid-flavoured peiranth; an astringent extract like kino is likewise prepared from the bark, and the bark itself is used for tanning leather.
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The “Challenger” Expedition . Nature 9, 369–370 (1874). https://doi.org/10.1038/009369a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/009369a0