A REPORT ON THE BOTANICAL SURVEY IN SHIMONI FOREST, WASINI ISLAND AND LOWER MPUNGUTI ISLAND SOUTH COAST OF KENYA. OBJECTIVE OF THE SURVEY To find out the plant species composition of shimoni forest and a comparison of the neighboring two Islands of Wasini and Lower Mpunguti. INTRODUCTION Shimoni Forest 0437S 3921E 20M (Neil .Debugs and G.Phillip Clarke 2000). Was about 600ha surrounding shimoni village on both sides(Ann Robertson and Mr. Luke 1993).This Forest is one of the two remaining stretches of coral rag Forests in Coastal Kenya after Diani Forest and Support Rare species of Plants such as Macphesonia gracilis, only known from this region and one other locality in Kenya and potential useful pole wood tree(Beenje 1990b).Shimoni Forest is vanishing rapidly because of the increasing demand for land and wood products as shimoni becomes tourist resort(Ann Robertson and Mr. Luke 1993).Residential houses and hotels are being constructed on the beach front and forest is being cleared. Further back, the Forest is being cleared for cultivation and housing by squatters. MATERIALS AND METHODS STUDY AREA Shimoni Forest covers a total area of 600ha (Ann Robertson and Mr. Luke 1993) found in the south coast of Kenya. 0437S 3921E 20M (Neil .D.Burges and G.Phillip Clarke 2000).Shimoni Forest lies on a Coral Rag (Ann Robertson and Mr. Luke 1993) . SITE SELECTION A reconnaissance survey was carried out in the Month of March 2014 to observe general physiognomy of the Forest. Data was collected over 90 days in the period of March to June. The period of data collection were March 2014,April 2014.Different periods were used to address the flowering times and used for proper identification. Floristic data were collected at two sites in Shimoni Forest namely Shimoni west Forest and Shimoni East Forest. At each site, the project investigator together with the global vision International field staff and volunteers walked in the Forest for three months. At each Forest location, the investigator walked through the Forest recording the species seen and collecting where necessary up to a maximum of four hours. The Field notes and Identification were made as the plants were pressed in the field. The plant species that could not be identified in the field directly were pressed in the convectional plant press and were taken to coastal Forest Herbarium located in Ukunda to be confirmed by other plant experts. For the rest of the time, the forest investigator was based in GVI camp located in Shimoni Village where he could compile the plant list recorded in the field recorded in the computer and double check the past documentation of Mr. Luke and Ann Robertson. The project investigator also liaised with the KWS officials in Shimoni to allow him explore the plants of lower Mpunguti Islands for a comparison with Shimoni Forest. The project investigator also had a short break during his expedition to plant trees in the degraded Kaya Forests with the help of elders and youths. These Kayas were Kaya Tiwi, Kaya Muhaka, Kaya Kinondo, Kaya Diani and Kaya Ukunda. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS A total of 236 plants were recorded in both shimoni west and East ranging from trees, woody herbs, shrubs and climbers/lianas. PLANT COMMUNITY ANALYSIS Trichilia emetica, Antiaris toxicaria, Lannea schwanfurdhii type were found to be dominating the canopy of Shimoni East forest. The understory was occupied with shrubby species such as Mildredia carponifolius, Uvaria acuminata, Uvaria lucida, Hoslundia opposita.Some pioneer species were also recorded like Trema orientalis .Remarkable number of Zanthoxylum Chelybeum, Bivinia jerlberti were also found in Shimoni East Forest growing in a scattering manner. Gyrocarpus americana, Lepisanthes senegalensis, Ficus busei type were found to be dominating the upper story of Shimoni west Forest. The understory was occupied by Ophrypetalum odoratum, Combretum pentagonum, and Erythrozylum emerginatum. On the Northern part of the study area, there is a palm woodland that contain five Kenyan indigenous palm including a population of Elaes guinensis(the wild oil palm)which is a very important source of germplasm.This palm woodland is dominated by Borrasus ethiopum ,Hyphaenae compressa,H.coriacea and Phonix reclinata.The part of this palm wood land have been proposed for protection by the Coast Forest survey as strict nature reserve within the forest reserve covering a wider area of the Shimoni peninsula (Ann Robertson and Mr. Luke 1993) At the edge of the coral rag forest bordering the sea i.e. both east and west are species of Sideroxylone inermes,Acacia rovumae,Delbergia vaccinifolius,Comiphora lindensis,Gutteda speciosa,Cordia subcordata,Cordia guineensis.Further seaside are the species of mangrove like Heritiera litoralis,Xylocarpus granatum,Xylocarpus moluccensis,Pemphis acidula. RARE AND THREATENED PLANT SPECIES IN SHIMONI Shimoni forest support the rare plant species such as Macphesonia gracilis only known in shimoni forest and mwangea hill and potential wood tree(Beenje 1990b) The forest also contain three species that have been documented in the IUCN Red list as vulnerable such as Uvariodendron kirkii,Pycnocoma litoralis,Milbredia carponifolius,Delbergia vaccinifolius.This is critical to take a key note of against the old GEF report that only documented one endangered and one vulnerable species as a total of two species. THE INTERESTING PLANT SPECIES ENCOUNTERD DURING THE SURVEY. A full list of plants identified in Shimoni forest and Wasini Island are provided in the annex .A number of particular interesting plants encountered in the in the field are described briefly below with notes. Ziziphus robertsoniana belong to the Rhamnaceae family. It is only known in the south coast of Kenya and some parts of Tanzania and is an endangered species according to ICUN plant species red list .This species has been documented to be endemic to evergreen forest in the south coast of Kenya in Dzombo, Mrima, Kinondo, and Chale Island (Henkle Beenje 1994). It is amazing to have encountered the Ziziphus robertsoniana in Kaya Bogowa for the first time in Wasini Island growing in close association with Cussonia zimmermani, Gyrocarpus americana and Euphorbea Nyika. Geographical position of Ziziphus robertsoniana in Kaya Bogowa is S04.66872 E039.39414, S04.66843E039.39414. Another interesting plant species is Macphesonia gracilis that is very common in Shimoni Forest but scanty in Wasini Island.Macphesonia gracilis is a rare species and is only known from Shimoni and Mangea Hills. (Luke and Ann Robertson, 1993) Other species encountered are Uvariodendron kirkii, Encephalatos hilderbrandtii, Mildredia carponifolius that are vulnerable and near threatened species according to the IUCN Red List both in Shimoni forest and Wasini Islands. There are some plant species with unique growth patterns like Gyrocarpus Americana. This species grows in clusters in Western parts of Shimoni forests and in Eastern parts of Wasini Islands. Another interesting species that was observed during the survey at Lower Mpunguti was Mondia ecornuta.This species was only known to be found in Shimba Hills, Mrima (Beenje 1994). It was collected in Shimoni West (Ann Robertson and Mr. Luke 1993) .Berlaria wheytai was also observed a species that is only known in Kaya Bogowa (Ann Robertson and Mr. Luke 1993) MEDICINAL PLANTS IN SHIMOLNI FORESTS AND WASINI ISLANDS, LOWER MPUNGUTI. Between 70% and 80% of the population of Africa is believed to rely on traditional medicine as primary health care (Cunningham 1993).Medicinal plants are widely used in Africa (Kokwaro, 1976, Hedberg et al 1982a.b, Croom 1983, Piuret 1996, Akerele et al 1991).It is worth mentioning that Shimoni forest and Wasini Island are still very rich in medicinal plants some of which were documented in the past Neil D. Burgess and G.Phillip Clarke 1989. The Shimoni forest lower Mpunguti and Wasini Island can be study ground of medicinal plants in future if well protected and thus enabling discoveries of new drugs to fight daily ailments in the society such as cancer, Malaria, Aids and Ulcers. A list of medicinal plants in Shimoni Forests lower Mpunguti and Wasini Islands containing Biological active compounds (Neil D. Burgess and G.Phillip Clarke 1989) Uvaria lucida Extract show in vitro activity against multidrug resistance strain of falciparum malaria Nkunya et al (1990) Common in Shimoni West and East Forest areas. Rauvolfia mombasiana Contain reserpine and deserpidine.The root extract produce hypotention and counteract effect of adrenaline Chhabra et al (1987) Common in Shimoni Forest. Uvaria acumminata Contain uvaricine and desacetylluvaricin that show invivo antituma action also antibacterial action shown by root and leaf extract Chhabra et al (1987) Common in Shimoni west and East forest Omphagolonus calophyllus Contain aglycones that have cardiotonic action Oliver-Bever (1986) Common shimoni village in abandoned buildings. Antiaris toxicaria. Small doses of dry latex may stimulate the heart and circulation. Very toxic in high doses. Oliver-Bever (1986) Common in the Shimoni West forest but being cut down currently. Dioscorea dumetorum Root tuber contains alkaloids with central Nervous system stimulating property Chhabra et al (1987) Common in Wasini East Forest next to the sea. Scodoxus multiflorus Bulb contains alkolaids lychorine,chlidanthine,hamanthidine Chhabra et al (1987) Common in Wasini East and Kaya Bogowa. INVASIVE ALLIEN SPECIES IN SHIMONI FOREST Dramatic global increase of invasive alien species (IAS) and the severe negative impact and high economic cost (Charles victor Barber .et.al., 2004).Preventing invasive alien species is a global challenge. The degraded parts of shimoni forest is no longer supporting the native plant species of coral rag forest but the alien invasive species like lantana camara,lantana virbunoides and none native plant species such as Azadirachta indica,Pedilianthus tithymaloides.Many hoteliers have introduced many exotic plants in their hotels not knowing that the patches of the remaining shimoni forest still contain wild ornamental plants that can be domesticated such as pentas busei, Encephalatos hilderbrandtii,Zamioculcas zamiofolius ,Gloriosa superba and Culcasia orientalis. INDEGENEOUS PLANT KNOWLEDGE IN SHIMONI FOREST Domestication of some medicinal plants is also practiced in shimoni village that comprises of the Digo, Wavumba people. Ziziphus mauritaniana is planted in the homestead and used for treating stomach upset and chest pain. According to the user, the plant is frequently used and planting it near household reduces the need to go to the forest to collect it. The potential medicinal plants that have been researched to be active against colon cancer were also observed growing in shimoni village like Jateorhiza palmata. Other species like Adansonia digitata, Sclerocarya birrea, Trichilia emetica, Fernandoa magnifica, Lannea schwanfurdhii were also observed in Shimoni village where they were used as shade trees and as a support for clothe line .Exotic plants such as Annona squamosa, Azadirachta indica, Tamarindus indica were also observed. The traditional vegetable plant species such as Asystasia gangetica were observed being harvested by village women as source of vegetables. Omphagolonus calophyllus and Combretum paniculatum species were the most abundant climbers in shimoni village in abandoned houses. Other species were observed growing on the walls in Shimoni village causing damage like Ficus bubu. VEGETATION DEGREDATION OF SHIMONI FOREST Shimoni forest is one of the remaining stretches of coral rag forest of coastal Kenya after Diani forest (Ann Robertson and Mr. Luke 1993).It is vanishing rapidly because of the increasing demand of land and wooden product as shimoni becomes a tourist resort. Residential houses and hotels are being constructed on the sea front and the forest is being cleared. Further back the forest is being cleared for cultivation and housing by squatters. Big trees are being cut down in the Shimoni East for charcoal burning. These species include Antiaris toxicaria, Lannea schwanfurdhii, Ficus sycomorus, Zanthozylum Chelybeum. The Forest is also being cut down for maize cultivation despite the fact that the soil is very shallow that does not support agriculture. Degrated parts of shimoni forest . PHYTOGEOGRAPHICAL COMPARISON Shimoni forest plant species composition was compared to the two islands i.e. Wasini Islands and Lower Mpunguti. Mpunguti is still pristine in plant species composition as compared to shimoni and Wasini. Some parts of Wasini Islands are being degraded for example Mkwiro (S04.63786E039.37053) that is now becoming dominated by Azadirachta indica. Wasini Islands is unique in some species composition as compared to Mpunguti and Shimoni such as Ziziphus robertsoniana, Encephalatos hilderbrandtii, and Berlaria wheytai and Strophanthus petersianus. PLANT CHECKLIST OF SHIMONI FORES Abutilion maurtiana Acacia rovumae Growing in mangrove in the western forest Acacia zansibarica Acalypha fructicosa Acridorcapus zanzibaricus Adasnsonia digitata Adenium obesum Adenia gummifera Afzelia quanzensis Albizia versicolour Alchornea laxiflora Ancylobotrys pertersiana Annona senegalensis Antiaris toxicaria Currently being cut down for timber Lepisanthes senegalensis Cut down for making canoe Asparagus buchananii Asparagus falcutas Asparagus setaceus Asystacia gangatica Adenanthera parvonina Exotic but becoming wild in the west forest Achranthes aspera Ampelocissus africana Borrasus ethiopum Berleria setigera Bivinia julbertii Mono specific genus Blepharis madrepartensis Bidens pilosa Blighia unijugata Boureria petiolaris Bridelia carhatica Caesalpinia bunduc Caparis erythrocarpus Carpodiptera africa Mono specific genus Cassia abbreviata Ceiba pentendra Exotic not wild in the forest Chazaliela abrupta Cissampelos pareira Cissus araliodes Cissus intergrefolia Cissus quadrangularis New is cissus phymatocarpa Cissus rundifolium Coffee sessiflora Colubrina asiatica Growing next high water mark Cyphocytema deparquatii Combretum pantagonum Combretum paniculatum Growing in abandoned building in shimoni village Commiphora africana Commiphora lindensis Commiphora edulis Cordia goetzei Cordia subcordata Cordia guieensis Cremaspora triflora Chatranthus obliquanavis Cussonia zimmermanii Cryptolepis hypoglauca Cyphostema adenocuale Discoirea dumetorum Dioscoirea hirtiflora Dechapetalum madagascariense Deinbolia borbonica Dichrostachys cinerea Delonix regia Wild in the west forest Dodonaea viscosa Diospyros squarrosa Drypetes parvifolia Drypetes reticulata Ecbolium amplexicuale Eryrthrina sacleuxii Erythroxylum emerginum Eleondendron schweinfurthianum Euphorbia hirtus Euphorbia tiriculi Debarking to kill fish Fernandoa magnifica Ficus bubu Ficus ottoonnifolia Ficus exasperata Ficus sur Ficus polita Ficus sansibarica Ficus sycomorus Flueggea virosa Grewia glandulosa Grewia plagiopylla Gloriosa superba Gonotopus boivinii Gutterda speciosa Gyrocarpus americana Haplocoelum inopoleum Hibiscus micranthus Harrisonia abbysinica Holarrhena pubescens Hunteria zeylanica Hoslundia opposita Hyphanae compressa Hyptis suaveolens Ipomea shupangensis Taperthum operculina Jeteorhiza palmata Keetia zansibarensis Lannae schwanfurthii Lannae welwischii Lantana camara Launaea cornuta Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Lepisanthes senegalensis Ludia mauritiana Macphersonia gracilis Maerua triphylla Majidea zanguebarica Mallotus oppositifolus Mimusops obtusifolia Mayena heterophyllus Maniikara sulcata Mangifera indica Mildbreadia carpinifolia Milicia exelsa Momordica henriquesii Monodora grandierii Ochna microcalyx Monodora grandierii Makhamia zansibarica Millettia usaramensis Monodora grandierii Ocimum grattisimum Ocimum suave Oncoba spinosa Ophrypetalum odoratum Opilia amentacea Ormocarpum sennoides Pancovia golungensis Pandanus kirkii Parquentina nigrescens Peltophorum africana Exotic Pentaropis nivalis Phoenix reclinata Piliostigma thonningii Phyllanthus reticulatus Polysphaeria multiflora Premna sinensis Pithelocelobeum dulce Exotic Premna chrysoclada Premna hilderbrandtii Pseuderenthemum hilderbrandii Psycoctria amboniana Psidia punctulata Pulchea dioscoridis Pycnocoma litoralis Rauvolfia mombasiana Ricinus communis Rhynchosia hirta Rhynchosia minima Saba comorensis Sansevieria conspicua Salvodora persica Planted in Homestead Sclerocarya birrea Scodoxus multiflora Secamone parvifolia Senna occindentale Senna sanguena Solanum incanum Soridendea madagascariensis Sideroxylone inermes Sparthodea campanulata Sphaerocoryne gracilis Starchytarpheta urticifolius Sterculia africana Stereospermum kunthianum Syndrella nodiflora Surugeda ansibarensis Synadenium preskiifolium Synaptolepis kirkii Tarbanaemontana elegans Tarmarindus indica Tarenna nigrescenes Tarenna graveolens Thurnbergia alata Tinospora oblingifolia Taliacora funifera Tragia furialis Trema orientalis Dragea rubicunda Toddalia asiatica Triainolepis africana *Tricalysia pallens Trichilia emetica Turrae nilotica Turrae mombasiana Uvaria lucida Uvaria acuminata Uvariodendron kirkii Vangueria randii Vepris eugenifolius Vismia orientalis Zanthoxylum Chelybeum Ziziphus mauritiana Capparis tomentosa Hibiscus schizopetalus *Phaulopis gediensi Jateohiza palmata Tiliacora caffra Operculina terpethum Pentas buseii *Plectranthus tenuiflorus Turrae floribunda Ampelocissus africana Afrocanthium pseudoverticilliatum Cladostemon kirkii Chatranthus obliqenervis Pergularia daemia Physchotria capensis Premna chrysoclada Stricnos spinosa PLANTS OF WASINI ISLANDS Grewia glandulosa Turrae wakefildii Caesalpinia bunduc Mimusops obtusifolia Gyrocarpuus americana Euphorbia nyikae Boureria petiolaris Ziziphus robertsoniana Known from kaya bogowa Adansonia digitatas Senna sanguena Vepris trochocarpa Tarena nigrescens Zamioculcus zamiofolius Acalypha ornata Coffee sessiflora Dragea rubicunda Scodoxus multiflora Ochna thomasiana Phyllanthus reticulata Tarbanaemontana elegans Acridorcarpus zanzibaricus Ipomea shupangensis Toddalia asiatica Mayena heterophyllus Alchornea laxiflora Cyphostemma buchananii Ficus polita Lannea welwischii Trichilia emetica Hunteria zeylanica Cussonia zimmermani Rinorea illicifolia Commiphora lindensis Omorcarpum sennoides Haplocoeleum inoploeum Cissus intergrefolia Cremaspora triflora Grewia plagiophylla Lannea scwanfurthii Pentaropis navalis Vepris eugenifolius Ficus sur Ficus exaspereta Dioscoirea hirtifloras Millitia usaramensis Capparis Erythrocarpous Turrae nilotica Ludia mauritiana Physchotria amboniana Erythrina sacleuxii Surugeda sansibarensis Premna resinosa Opilia amentacea Bridelia carhatica Zanthoxylum Chelybeum Uvaria lucida Uvaria acuminta Euphorbea tiriculi Acalypha fructicosa Synaptolepis kirkii Ancylobotris petersiana Delbergia vaccinfolius Harrisonia abbysinica Gutterda speciosa Cordia subcordata Dodonea viscosa Cordia goetzei Encephalatos hilderbrandtii Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Macphersonia gracilis Acacia adenocalyx *Berleria whytei Richia capparpides Acridocarpus zansibarica Combretum schumanii Asteranthe asterias Uvraiodendron kirkii Lepisanthes senegalensis Bauhinia tomentosa Adenium gummifera Pancovia golungensis Eleondrendron schawanfurthii Pandanus kirii Sideroxylone inermes Psidia punctata Cylocarpus mollucensis Polysepharia parviflora Sophora tomentosa Euphorbia tiriculi Drypetes reticulta Solanum incanum Carpodiptera Africana *Straphonthmanus pertesiana Sterculia Africana Orchidiacea sp Sansiviera conspicua Grewia plagiophylla Tricalysia pallens Commiphora lindensis Commiphora edulis Clerodendrum glabrum PLANTS OF LOWER MPUNGUTI ISLAND Commiphora edulis Vitex triphylla Gutterda speciosa Delbargia vacciniifolius Cyphostema buchananii Pemphis acidula Commiphora lindensis Lannea welwischii Scodoxus multiflorus Cissus quadrangularis Sideroxylone inermes Hibiscus schizopetalus *Solanum spp( climbing) Physchotria amboniana Synaptolepis kirkii Phaulopis gediensis Sansiviera spp Cissus rotundifolia Euphorbia nyikae Cremaspora triflora Rhynchosia congensis Ecbleolium amplexicuale Cyphostemma adenocuale Vernonia hilderbrandtii Ficus zansibarica Asystasia gangatica Abrus precatorius Turrae mombassana Psederenthemum hilderbrandii Maerua triphylla Clerodenrum zansibarensis Indigoffera trita Erythrina sacleuxii Asparagus buchananii Bridelia carthatica Richia capparoideds Grewia glandulosa Boureria petiolaris Deinbolia borbornica Achornea laxiflora Ipomea mauritiana Sparagus setaceus Dioscorea hirtiflora Ficus ottoniifolia Berlaria wheytai Haplcoelum inpoleum Hunteria zeylanica Phyllanthus reticulate Turrae nilotica Mayena heterophyllus Drypetes reticulata Capparis viminae Pavetta crebrifolia Acalypha neptunica Coccinia spp Acalypha fruticosa Zamiocilcas zamiofolia Ancylobotris petersiana Premna sinensis Polysepharia parvifolia Vepris eugenifolius Ficus sur Azima tetracantha Trichilia emetica Causurina equestifolia Clerodendrum glabrum Cryptolepis hypoglauca Ludia mauritiana Ormocarpum sennoides Ochna thomasiana Markhamia zanzibaricus Salacia spp Grandierii boivinii Diospyros squarosa Vismia orientalis Ficus polita Ophrypetalum odoratum Zanthoxylum Chelybeum Acridocarpus zansbaricus Mollotus oppostifolius Milletia usaramensis Salacia stuhlmaniana Culcasia orientalia *Mondia ecurnata Gonatopus boivinii Haplocoelum inpoleum Ipomea shupangensis Harrisonia abbysinica Dioscoirea quatiniana Physchotria capensis Capparis erythrocarpus Vismia orientalis Ipomea shupangensis Secamone parvifolia Diospyros abbysinica A tezima tetracantha Chazaliela abrupta Cissampelos pareira Coccinia grandis Indigoffera trita CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Shimoni forest is one of two remaining coral rag forest in the coastal forest of Kenya was found to be home of diverse groups of plants species. The forest is being severely exploited by the local people living around natural forest. The observed major threats to plants in the study a were deforestation, agricultural expansion. This calls for that need of serious attention for conservation and management as a whole. Hence the following recommendation is made to meet these objectives. -Give conservation priority for the identified threaten plants. -Promote in-situ conservation and establish nurseries for ex-situ conservation of threatened plants. -Reserve certain parts of the forest for nature reserve and protect from home interference. -Create awareness and sense of ownership of the local people in forest conservation and managements. -Create woodlots to avoid too much pressure in the forest for wood fuel. -Promote forest education to the community on the forest protection. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am grateful to the staff and volunteers of the Global Vision International (GVI).I am strongly grateful to the KWS officials who gave me access to the Lower Mpunguti Forest. I do also acknowledge Mr. Sean White for his financial support during my survey. I am grateful to Mr. Brian for his encouragement and inspiration during the survey. I do appreciate Mr.Saidi Chisinga a Para-taxonomist at the coastal forest herbarium located in Ukunda who helped me in identification of unknown species. I do appreciate also Mr. Paul Opere who helped me in the compilation of the comprehensive list. BIBLIOGRAHY   Coastal Forest of Eastern Africa (1989) By Neil D. Burgess and G. Philip Clarke2.   Traditional Medicine in Africa (1995) By Isaac Sindiga, Chacha Nayaigotti-Chacha and Mary PeterKanunah3.   Journal of East African Natural History (2007) Volume 96 Part 2 By National Museums of Kenya4.   Journal of East African Natural History (2008) Volume 97 Part 2 By National Museums of Kenya Kenya Trees Shrubs and Lianas (2004) By Henk Beentje6.   Digo Ethnobotancal Study (2005) By Mohammed Pakia7.   Medicinal plants of east Africa (1976) By J.O. Kokwaro