Nature and Science

Norfolk Island is a interesting place where to find the flora and fauna which are unique to Norfolk Island. Norfolk Island is of particular biological significance as its flora and fana are usually derived from the chance dispersal of plants and animals over vast distances of ocean. Many species have evolved into unique, or endemic, forms due to isolation from other populations and having different evolutionary pressures.

Norfolk Island is the home of the majestic Norfolk Island Pine and some 40 other endemic plants. These are a source of considerable interest to scientists and botanists in that they can be found nowhere else occurring naturally. From a cultural point of view some of the plants used in weaving plaiting broom-making and other craft activities can be seen here.

The fauna of Norfolk Island has many characteristics typical of island faunas. Since Norfolk has never been joined to any major landmass the species living there have had to survive both a transoceanic journey and the hazards of colonisation in a new environment. As a result some faunal groups are under-represented on the Island. Whilst only a small number of native species are present, many are endemic forms.

The rainforest is strung with sinewy lianas and some creepers that had become very rare throughout the island have spontaneously reappeared in the short time since cattle were excluded from this area. Seedlings of the Bloodwood (Baloghia inophylla) and Bastard Ironwood (Pouteria costata previously Planchonella costata ) are evident along the track sides and across the forest floor.

Phillip Island
Phillip Island possesses a vascular flora of about 68 species including 5 species endemic to the Norfolk Group, 32 native species and 31 exotic species. A further 4 endemic and 7 native species have been recorded. Of these 6 are trees presently occurring on Norfolk Island, 3 are creepers or herbs presently occurring on Norfolk and one is thought extinct.