Shrubs

Fernland

This scrubby vegetation is dominated by the ferns Nephrolepis hirsutula and Phymatosorus scolopendria, within which occur scattered shrubs and thickets of Hibiscus tiliaceus and Tarenna sambucina. This community, locally known as the "Niuean desert", may be the result of extensive overcropping and soil impoverishment in the past.

last updated: Tuesday, January 13, 2004