Polynesian Heliotrope (Heliotropium anomalum)

Polynesian Heliotrope (Heliotropium anomalum)

Polynesian Heliotrope (Heliotropium anomalum) is native to the Anaa atoll. Native range is Pacific.…


My life as a dog on Anaa

My life as a dog on Anaa

My host had two dogs, and such harmonoius dogs! Being a total stranger I would suspect a greeting of loud barks and…


Anaa shell desert

Anaa shell desert

Some areas the shelldunes stretched far and wide, and it resembled a desert more than an atoll. The enormity of shells…


Anaa shell dunes

Anaa shell dunes

In the lagoon there are huge deposits of shells in formations similar to what you see in the snowy and windswept…


Anaa ocean channel

Anaa ocean channel

This is one of many openings in the chain of dry land and during storm surges the ocean will flood through here and…


Tree Heliotrope (Heliotropium arboreum)

Tree Heliotrope (Heliotropium arboreum)

Tree Heliotrope (Heliotropium arboreum) is native to Anaa and grows widespread here. I found none in bloom the few…


Strawberry Hermit Crab (Coenobita perlatus)

Strawberry Hermit Crab (Coenobita perlatus)

This Anaa beach was teaming with strawberry hermit crab (Coenobita perlatus) of sizes from just a few milimeters to…


Bantigue (Pemphis acidula)

Bantigue (Pemphis acidula)

Bantigue (Pemphis acidula) is endemic to Anaa and is the the dominant plant in some places. It grows right above the…


Great Crested Tern (Sterna bergii cristata)

Great Crested Tern (Sterna bergii cristata)

At this particular beach the terns were very inquisitive and unafraid. They flew to and fro many times, and hovered low…


Anaa coral reef

Anaa coral reef

Anaa is incredibly diverse, and here the coral dominates the landscape. The outrcops are fossilized coral or limestone.…


Pacific Pigweed (Portulaca lutea)

Pacific Pigweed (Portulaca lutea)

Pacific Pigweed (Portulaca lutea) is native to Anaa, and grows widespread and in particular on disturbed coral ground…


Creeping Half-flower (Scaevola paulayi)

Creeping Half-flower (Scaevola paulayi)

Creeping Half-flower (Scaevola paulayi) endemic to French Polynesia and the Anaa atoll, where it grows commonly. I…