Motu Plants

Plants of the
Moorean Motu (Reef Islands)

This list represents all plant species known from the four major motu, or reef islands, of the island of Moorea:
Motu Fareone and Motu Tiahura are just off the northwest tip of Moorea, Motu Ahi is a small island off the eastern coast of Moorea, and Motu Temae is a large, long motu attached to the northeast tip of Moorea by marshland and landfill upon which the island's airpoirt sits. Motu Temae is the only motu with a permanent (but small) population - Motu Fareone has a few rental properties on it; Motu Tiahura and Motu Ahi have no permanent structures. While many species on this list can be found elsewhere on Moorea, a large number can only be found on the unique habitat provided by the motu.

This list is organized into 3 sections (Pteridophytes, Dicots, and Monocots) with subsidiary families, genera, and species listed alphabetically. For each species there is a key which indicates on which motu one may find the plant and in which plant community (after Burford, 1994, 1995). Motu-specific notes are included for most species. For more detailed descriptions, information, and pictures, check the Photo Gallery section of this site.

Legend
= Present = Not Present
Strand = Coastal Strand
Crest = Beach Crest Scrub/Tree
BLT = Broad Leaf Tree Zone
Dist = Disturbed/Old Plantation Area

Pteridophytes

Dicots

Monocots

Pteridophytes
Aspleniaceae
Asplenium australasicum	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	FERN; Bird's Nest Fern; pioneering epiphyte; found in trees
Davalliaceae
Davallia solida	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	FERN; Mostly epiphytic fern; found under tree cover
Nephrolepidaceae
Nephrolepis hirsutula	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	FERN; Sword fern; not seen on Temae
Polypodiaceae
Microsorum grossum	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	FERN; not seen on Temae, but probably there
Pteridaceae
Acrostichum aureum	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	FERN; Pantropical marsh fern
Dicots
Apocynaceae
Catharanthus roseus	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Introduced; on Temae found near the cleared cultivation area in a part of the coconut plantation that is no longer used
Plumeria rubra	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	TREE; Introduced; only on Fareone
Asteraceae (Compositae)
Bidens pilosa	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; introduced; establishes dense, heavily recruited stands in areas that have been cleared or disturbed
Conyza bonariensis	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Introduced; found in dry disturbed areas
Emilia fosbergii	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; pantropical weed of low elevation, dry, urban, and disturbed habitats
Tridax procumbens	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Introduced; found in coconut plantation on Temae; found in disturbed areas
Vernonia cinerea	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; introduced
Wedelia trilobata	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Introduced; on Temae beach crest strand community.
Bignoniaceae
Tecoma stans	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Introduced, yellow flowers.
Boraginaceae
Cordia subcordata	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	TREE; Polynesian introduction; found usually in dry coastal areas. "Tou" in Tahitian.
Heliotropium anomalum	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Native; grows in sandy, coastal areas. "Parahiahi" in Tahitian.
Tournefortia argentea	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	TREE; Native, found in BLT zone inland from beach crest. "Tahinu" in Tahitian.
Brassicaceae
Lepidium bidentatum	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Native; found mostly on coastal, rocky, dry sites; grows close to shore. "Nau" or "Horahora" in Tahitian.
Caricaceae
Carica papaya	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	TREE; Introduced; found only under cultivation.
Casuarinaceae
Casuarina equisetifolia	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	TREE; Introduced; found in ocean-facing beach crest scrub and BLT zone; likes drier areas; planted as wind breaks. "Aito" in Tahitian.
Clusiaceae (Guttiferae)
Calophyllum inophyllum	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	TREE; Polynesian introduction; large tree. "'Ati" or "Tamanu" in Tahitian.
Combretaceae
Terminalia catappa	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	TREE; found on inland side of Motu Ahi. "Autara'a" in Tahitian.
Convolvulaceae
Ipomoea littoralis	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi*	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; "Papati" in Tahitian. *Burford (1995) reports presence on Ahi without voucher, Murdock (1999) found no trace of Convolvulaceae species on Motu Ahi.
Ipomoea macrantha	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Most widespread morning glory. "Pohue" in Tahitian (same as I. pes-caprae).
Ipomoea obscura	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Observed on ocean-side fence of airport (Murdock, 1999).
Ipomoea pes-caprae	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi*	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; "Pohue" in Tahitian (same as I. macrantha). *Burford (1995) reports presence on Ahi without voucher, Murdock (1999) found no trace of Convolvulaceae species on Motu Ahi.
Merremia umbellata ssp. orientalis	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; growing in disturbed area near airport fence.
Euphorbiaceae
Chamaesyce atoto	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; (aka. Euphorbia chamissonis). Involved in secondary succession in coconut plantations. "Atoto" in Tahitian.
Chamaesyce hirta	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; (aka. Euphorbia hirta)
Phyllanthus sp.	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Species not determined - most likely P. debilis or P. tenellus
Ricinus communis	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Introduced, found near areas of cultivation. Castor bean, pantropical, usually insect pollinated.
Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Desmodium sp.	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Species not determined - most likely D. incanum as it is a very common weed on Moorea
Leucaena leucocephala	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB-TREE; Introduced, found near areas of cultivation, used for fire wood.
Serianthes myriadena*	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	TREE; *Questionable identification, nto likely to be found on motu.
Sophora tomentosa	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Found on ocean-facing side of motu, forms dense mon-stands. "Pofatu'ao'ao" in Tahitian.
Vigna marina	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; "Pipi tatahi" in Tahitian.
Goodeniaceae
Scaevola sericea	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Native, forms dense stands on rocky/sndy coasts throughout Polynesia. Leaves used medicinally. "Naupata" in Tahitian.
Hernandiaceae
Hernandia nymphiifolia	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	TREE; Common in sandy soil, leaves used medicinally and wood used to make canoes. "Ti'anina" in Tahitian.
Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Clerodendrum inerme	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Native or Polynesian introduction; asexual reproduction. Usually on seaward shore. Found also in swamps and mangrove stands. *Burford (1994, 1995) makes no note of what motu on which this plant may be found. Commonly placed in the Verbenaceae.
Lauraceae
Cassytha filiformis	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Parasitic vine with small haustoria; stems filiform, chlorophyllous, turning orange. "Taino'a" in Tahitian.
Lecythidaceae
Barringtonia asiatica	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	TREE; Usually found on rocky shores, grated seeds used to stun fish. "Hutu" in Tahitian.
Lythraceae
Pemphis acidula	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Native, found on or next to conglomerate platform on ocean-facing side of motu. Pioneer species on motu. "A'ie" in Tahitian.
Malvaceae
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Introduced ornamental.
Hibiscus tiliaceus	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB-TREE; Wood and wood fiber used for various construnction purposes, flower used medicinally. Will extend all the way up to (and even into) the water where there is no sandy beach. "Purau" in Tahitian.
Thespesia populnea	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB-TREE; Native or potential Polynesian introduction, used for wood carvings and used medicinally. "Miro" in Tahitian.
Triumfetta procumbens*	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB-SHRUB: Prostrate, grows on sandy beaches. "Urio" in Tahitian. *Placed in the Tiliaceae when family is recognized
Waltheria indica*	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Often occurs in dry sites. Used medicinally. *Placed in the Sterculiaceae when family is recognized
Nyctaginaceae
Boerhaavia repens	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB-SHRUB; Grows in open, sandy areas near the shore, occasionally used medicinally. "Nunanuna" in Tahitian.
Pisonia grandis	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Native, found on coral islands of the Pacific. "Pu'a tea" in Tahitian.
Oxalidaceae
Oxalis corniculata	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Used medicinally, most likely introduced.
Passifloraceae
Passiflora foetida	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Introduced vine, gros in dry, sandy soils.
Portulacaceae
Portulaca oleracea	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Introduced, found in disturbed areas. "Aturi" in Tahitian.
Rhamnaceae
Colubrina asiatica	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Leaves used as a fish poison and medicine, bark and roots used as soap. "Tutu" in Tahitian.
Rubiaceae
Gardenia taitensis	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Cultivated for gardenia blossoms. "Tiare tahiti" in Tahitian.
Guettarda speciosa	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Native, on ocean-facing side of motu. Wood used in construction, leaves used in cooking. "Tafano" in Tahitian.
Hedyotis romanzoffiensis	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Native, has a fleshy berry, only grows in open, sandy areas. "Koporoporo" in Tahitian. *Burford (1994, 1995) makes no note of what motu on which this plant may be found
Morinda citrifolia	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Polynesian introduction. Primary understory plant after burning or clearing. "Nono" in Tahitian.
Timonius polygamus	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Grows mostly in sandy soils, sometimes found in undisturbed areas inland. *Burford (1994, 1995) makes no note of what motu on which this plant may be found.
Sapindaceae
Cardiospermum halicacabum	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Introduced, used medicinally by Polynesians.
Solanaceae
Physalis sp.	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Species undetermined, probably P. angulata.
Surianaceae
Suriana maritima	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Forms dense stands on seaward side of motu. Leaves used medicinally. "O'uru" in Tahitian.
Thymelaeaceae
Wikstroemia foetida	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB-TREE; Used medicinally for asthma and as a laxative. "Akia" in Tahitian.
Urticaceae
Pipturus argenteus	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	TREE; *Burford (1994, 1995) makes no note of what motu on which this plant may be found.
Verbenaceae
Clerodendrum inerme	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Native or Polynesian introduction; asexual reproduction. Usually on seaward shore. Found also in swamps and mangrove stands. *Burford (1994, 1995) makes no note of what motu on which this plant may be found.
Premna serratifolia	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Flowers found in branching terminal panicles. Usually grows on rocky shores. "Avaro" in Tahitian.
Monocots
Agavaceae
Cordyline fruticosa	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	SHRUB; Cultivated ornamental, leaves used for construction decoration and medicine, roots used for starch. "Auti" or "Ti" in Tahitian.
Amaryllidaceae
Zephyranthes sp.	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB
Arecaceae (Palmae)
Cocos nucifera	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	TREE; Cultivated for coconut copra, all parts used by Polynesians.
Cyperaceae
Fimbristylis cymosa	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Native, grows in pockets in the conglomerate platform, in the coral sand strand, and next to the marsh on Temae. Found in Coconut areas as well. Salt tolerant. "Pako pako" in Tahitian.
Mariscus javanicus	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Found throughout Polynesia in coastal areas and occasionally in higher elevations. Used medicinally. "Mo'u ha'ari" in Tahitian. Synonym: Cyperus javanicus
Orchidaceae
Dendrobium sp.*	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Epiphyte, identity not determined. Questionable identification as Dendrobium* spp. do not typically grow below 200 m in elevation in the Society Islands.
Spathoglottis plicata	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Orchid common in disturbed open areas on the main island.
Pandanaceae
Pandanus tectorius	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	TREE; Native and introduced, found in ocean-facing zone inland to beach crest scrub community. Prop root tips used medicinally, leaves an essential construction material to Tahitians, fruits a famine food.
Poaceae (Gramineae)
Cenchrus echinatus	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	GRASS; Introduced, native to Neotropics, found in disturbed habitats, dry soils. Hardened spikelets aid in dispersal.
Cynodon dactylon	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	GRASS; Introduced. *Burford (1994, 1995) makes no note of what motu on which this plant may be found
Dactyloctenium aegypticum	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	GRASS; Native to Paleotropics, now a pantropical weed.
Digitaria setigera	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	GRASS; Native or early introduction. *Burford (1994, 1995) makes no note of what motu on which this plant may be found
Digitaria sp.	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	GRASS; Epiphyte, identity not determined. *Burford (1994, 1995) makes no note of what motu on which this plant may be found.
Eleusine indica	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	GRASS; Introduced, found in shallow or compacted soils.
Eragrostis tenella	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	GRASS
Lepturus repens	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	GRASS; Native, found in Pemphis scrub area, next to conglomerate platform in the coral sand on ocean-facing side. An effective sand binder. "Nanamu" in Tahitian.
Melinus minutiflora	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	GRASS; Introduced, native to Africa, considered a pest in dry, disturbed, open areas. Chokes out native vegetation.
Melinus repens	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	GRASS; Introduced Mediterranean weed, grows in disturbed areas.
Paspalum distichum	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	GRASS; Also found in other marsh areas or estuaries. Forms dominant understory species in mangrove stands. "Matie" in Tahitian. *Burford (1994, 1995) makes no note of what motu on which this plant may be found
Sporobolus africanus	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	GRASS; Introduced. *Burford (1994, 1995) makes no note of what motu on which this plant may be found
Stenotaphrum micranthum	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	GRASS; introduced, grows close to shore. Often confused with Lepturus repens which has a jointed rachis that breaks into segments.
Thuarea involuta	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	GRASS; Native, grows on sandy beaches and coral rubble near the shore.
Taccaceae
Tacca leontopetaloides	Fareone Tiahura Temae Ahi	Strand Crest BLT Dist	HERB; Polynesian introduction, used as a food source, naturalized in sandy soils of the littoral zone.

Based on "Vascular Plants of the Mo'orean Motu: Species List and Location" by Martha Burford (1994, 1995), collections and observations of Andy Murdock (1999), and various other UCB collections. Updated by Andy Murdock (2003)

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