The Vegetation The removal of guano and the subsequent leveling of the sandy marginal areas have resulted in the production of a sandy soil over most of the surface of the island. This disruption of the soil layers has resulted in a mixture of the pre-European plant associations. In 1964 Lepturus was observed as common on the interior of the island especially in those areas along the runway where the sand from the margin of the island had been distributed. Portulaca lutea, Boerhavia sp., Lepturus and/or the introduced Digitaria form an association on the north, east and south sides of the island of varying widths. Sida is commonly found with this association towards the inner portion of the island. Small pure stands of all of the native species can be found in sites which were laid bare during the Second World War occupation. On the west sand ridge Lepturus, Digitaria and Boerhavia form a local association with scattered pure stands of the two grass species. Tribulus is found in pure stands on disturbed sites near the center of the island. Summary 1. Twenty-four species of vascular plants have been recorded and/or collected from Baker Island. Eleven attempted introductions are also recorded. 2. The native plant species and the associations formed from these have changed drastically in the past century. The native species have extended their range over the surface of the island due to the change in the substrate. The natural plant associations found by Hague about 1861 have been disrupted in area and content with the admixture of introduced plant species notably Digitaria. These associations have also extended in area spreading over formerly bare guano areas. 3. No vegetation and bird interaction can be noted at this stage in the recovery of the island. Small amounts of guano are being deposited which doubtless contribute to the healthy appearance of the vegetation after the infrequent rains.