Island Flora of the Gulf of Guinea

Abstract

THE three Portuguese islands, S. Tomé, Principe and Annobon, which form the subject of this work* lie, together with Fernando Po, in the Gulf of Guinea. All are of comparatively recent volcanic origin and have a typical equatorial climate with considerable rainfall and very high humidity. Geological evidence and the insular character of their floras both point to the three islands never having had any land connexions with each other or with the continent. The islands have been visited many times by botanists and their flora is fairly well known, but Mr. Exell was able, during a three months visit in 1932–33, to add thirty-one new species, and considers that the mountain forest region in St. Thomas and Principe is still by no means exhausted.