JOHNSTON: CAYMAN ISLAND AVIFAUNA


Sesuvium portulacastrum, Ipomea sp., and Sporobolus virginicus. On the
landward side the sand-coral beach formation is continuous in many
places with a rugged, irregular shore platform termed "ironshore." It
slopes gradually to a height of 4-5 m, may extend inland some 10-50 m,
and also possesses sparse or no vegetation, except in certain areas where
woody thickets of Caesalpinia bonduc have developed.
 SEA GRAPE-ALMOND WOODLAND.-This coastal vegetation formation
is characteristic of the West Indies ("strand woodland" of Asprey and
Robbins). From the "ironshore" or, where it is absent or poorly de-
veloped, from the sand-coral beach formation, the gradually ascending
beach ridge supports a distinctive plant community dominated by Cocco-
loba uvifera, Terminalia catappa, Thespesia populnea, Casuarina equiseti-
folia, Chrysobalanus icaco, Tournefortia gnaphalodes, and other salt-
resistant shrubs and forbs (Fig. 6). Commonly the trees are wind-
pruned, desiccated in appearance, and no more than 5 m tall. On Grand
Cayman, at least, this arboreal community usually does not exceed 30 m
in width, but it does extend as a distinctive coastal band nearly around
each of the islands. It has offered shade and sheltered sites for human
habitations for many generations.
 MANGROVE SwAMPS.-Extensive areas of Grand Cayman and Little
Cayman are covered with mangrove or buttonwood swamps (see Figs. 1


FIcURE 6.-Sea grape-almond woodland with Australian pines behind beach on
Grand Cayman.


1975