What’s the Situation with Florida Vegetation!

    Florida is home to many natural wonders. From its beautiful beaches and reefs to its wetland ecosystem, Florida can never cease to amaze tourists looking to enjoy a scenic trip outdoors. Some of Florida’s interesting characteristics include the vegetation that can be found in various regions such as in Windley Key. Though many species of vegetation can be found throughout Florida, there were several species that caught my attention when visiting Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park.

1.     Poisonwood

            Poisonwood (Metopium toxiferum) is native to the Caribbean and can also be seen in South Florida. These trees can have peeling gray bark and can grow up to 35 feet in length. As its name implies, M. toxiferum is poisonous. The species contains the compound oleoresin urushiol, which is known to irritate the skin. It is said that the toxin from M. toxiferum is strong enough to cause a rash or irritation on a person’s skin when standing under the leaves of the tree during a rainstorm. Poisonwood can serve as a food source for many birds, including the white-crowned pigeon whose conservation status is endangered.

 

 

2.     West Indies Mahogany

West Indies Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) has the potential to reach a height of 75 feet, but it is extremely unlikely to see an individual at that height. S. mahagoni contains a fruit capsule that contains winged seeds and has a wood-like appearance. S. mahagoni is a highly valued tree used in woodworking due to its durability. Because of its desirability for making quality furniture, it has become susceptible to overexploitation and is actually considered an endangered species.

 

 

3.     Gumbo Limbo

Another tree that we learned about, which was my personal favorite, was the Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simarouba). The bark of B. simarouba has a red appearance, though this red layer of bark can peel away to reveal a green layer. The peeling of the red bark resembles the peeling of a person’s skin that is sunburnt. This gives Gumbo Limbo the name “tourist tree.” Gumbo Limbo is very lightweight, though the trees themselves are very tolerant and can withstand hurricane winds. The berries the B. simarouba produces are also a food source for many birds.

With the many species of vegetation that are either endangered or may support the livelihood of endangered bird species, it is no surprise that large regions of Florida are dedicated to the conservation of these natural ecosystems. If you would like to learn more about some of the conservation efforts being done in Florida Click Here.