Phytogeography of the Cayman Islands

Abstract

As originally written, this paper was based entirely on data recorded in my ‘Flora of the Cayman Islands’ (1984), in which 601 species of vascular plants were listed and described. It was stated in that work that, ‘It is quite probable that others will eventually be found, as a few relatively inaccessible portions of all three islands have still not been adequately investigated at all seasons’. Indeed, this has turned out to be the case. After a lapse of 16 years, it has become possible to undertake a new investigation. Sponsored by the National Trust of the Cayman Islands, facilitated by the construction of many new roads, and assisted by more than a half dozen keen and enthusiastic Cayman residents, I was able to resume floristic study of the vegetation in November, 1991. Further field work was carried out during April, 1992 and also during July-August, 1992. All of these visits were very productive.