The decline of the St Helena gumwood Commidendrum robustum

Abstract

I argue that St Helena was formerly well wooded between 400 and 600 m and that the main constituent of this woodland was gumwood, Commidendrum robustum (Roxb.) DC., with smaller amounts of bastard gumwood Commidendrum rotundifolium (Roxb.) DC. Further, although this woodland was fragmented by goats between discovery (1502) and settlement (1659), large wooded areas are known to have existed when the island was settled. With few exceptions all these gumwood woods have disappeared through a combination of extensive cutting for firewood and grazing of stock in the wood, mainly in the 18th century. When conditions are right, however, gumwood still regenerates freely. Because gumwood is botanically and historically important it is perhaps essential that fenced areas of St Helena should be deliberately afforested with this tree, to ensure the future survival of gumwood woods. In addition, I hope that existing areas of gumwood woodland (at Peak Dale) will be carefully fenced and maintained.