Trees and shrubs of the Northern Mariana Islands / by Lynn Raulerson and Agnes Rinehart

Abstract

Local trees in the Northern Mariana Islands are some of our most precious resources. For centuries our people have relied on native trees and plants for food, medicine, building materials, and countless other uses. Trees also provide much-needed shade, help control soil erosion and serve as watershed areas which store our life-giving water. Birds, fruit bats and other animals also depend on plants for food and habitat needs. Today, much endemic vegetation is disappearing with increased land clearing for housing and development. Introduced plants often replace native species at development sites, and with the loss of native vegetation, losses in culture, tradition, and important ecological values also occur.