Observations on the Distribution of the Rare Suriana maritima L. (Surianaceae) in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, Southern India

Suriana maritima earlier found to occur only on the Kurusadai and Shingle Islands in exceedingly small numbers in the Gulf of Mannar, now seen occurring on the Pumarichan and Pullivasal Islands too in reasonably good numbers. A detailed description of this species is provided with an illustration. It is rare in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve. The probable casual factors for its rarity are discussed and the need for further investigations is stressed.