Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Central & Southern Polynesian Lowland Rainforest Group

Colloquial Name: Central & Southern Polynesian Lowland Rainforest

Hierarchy Level:  Group

Type Concept: This type is currently described only from data gathered at National Park of American Samoa. This forest occurs from 30 to about 400 m in elevation, on variable slopes (2-90°). Slope positions include low, middle and high slopes. Soils have a clayey texture and are generally moist to saturated. Soil surface has low cover of bare ground, rock and bedrock with moderately high cover of dead litter and live (green) litter. Syzygium inophylloides - Intsia bijuga forest (CEGL008716) is a thickly forested community dominated by tall broad-leaved evergreen trees. The dominant tree is Syzygium inophylloides and/or Intsia bijuga. Other tree species present include Barringtonia asiatica, Buchanania merrillii, Calophyllum inophyllum, Calophyllum neo-ebudicum, Canarium mafoa, Canarium vitiense, Cyathea spp., Diospyros samoensis, Elaeocarpus ulianus, Glochidion ramiflorum, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Intsia bijuga, Myristica inutilis, Planchonella garberi, Psychotria insularum, Rhus taitensis, and Syzygium clusiifolium. Some stands may include very large and emergent Ficus prolixa individuals. Shrubs have low constancy and cover or they may be absent. The only shrubs documented include Mapania macrocephala and the non-native Clidemia hirta. Vine cover can be high with Alyxia bracteolosa or Erythrospermum acuminatissimum. Epiphytes includes Asplenium nidus, Freycinetia spp. and others. The herbaceous layer is often dominated by seedlings of the canopy tree species, total herbaceous cover is often low, although Tectaria dissecta does occur with as much as 20% cover. Other herbs include Zingiber zerumbet and Angiopteris evecta. Myristica inutilis - Canarium (vitiense, mafoa) forest (CEGL008711) is characterized by a moderately dense to closed tree canopy 6-8 m tall. Occasionally there are species that can be of equal or greater abundance, such as Planchonella samoensis or more commonly several other native tree species may occur with equal or, in combination, greater abundance, such as Buchanania merrillii. Ficus prolixa is absent or has low cover. Other abundant tree species (10% or more cover) with over 50% constancy include Aglaia samoensis, Cananga odorata, Canarium mafoa, and Cordyline fruticosa. Less constant abundant species include Adenanthera pavonina, Bischofia javanica, Diospyros samoensis, Dysoxylum maota, Elaeocarpus ulianus, Ficus prolixa (which can be a very large emergent tree), Inocarpus fagifer, Macaranga stipulosa, Neonauclea forsteri, Rhus taitensis, and Syzygium inophylloides. Vines such as Alyxia bracteolosa, Epipremnum pinnatum, Faradaya amicorum, Freycinetia spp., Hoya australis, and Piper graeffei and epiphytes such as Asplenium nidus, Lomagramma cordipinna, and Davallia solida are often present. The herbaceous cover is variable but typically lower cover and composed of tree seedlings and a few constant or abundant herbs such as Angiopteris evecta, Asplenium acuminatum, Christella harveyi, Heliconia laufao, Tectaria dissecta, and Zingiber zerumbet.

Diagnostic Characteristics: No Data Available

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: No Data Available

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available

note: No Data Available