Natural Communities
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Ann Johnson
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Gil Nelson
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Babcock-Webb has the largest known population
of the beautiful pawpaw.
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Within Babcock-Webb is one of the largest expanses of hydric
(wet) pine flatwoods remaining in Florida and habitat to several
listed species of plants and animals. To the human eye the landscape
appears flat, but is actually slightly rolling, ridges rising
20 to 40 feet above mean sea level. Freshwater marshes, seasonal
ponds, hardwood hammocks, and prairies are interspersed throughout
the flatwoods. Six man-made ponds and the 395-acre artificially
constructed Webb Lake provide habitat for aquatic species as well
as recreational opportunities. During the summer rainy season,
a majority of the area may be flooded for brief periods.
Pawpaw
The pine flatwoods of Babcock-Webb are home to the largest known
population of the very rare beautiful pawpaw. Listed as endangered
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Department
of Agriculture, the beautiful pawpaw is endemic to Charlotte and
Lee counties. Flowering (usually from late March through May)
tends to occur only after a fire or mowing of new growth. The
beautiful pawpaw has fragrant white flowers and a 3-inch long
fruit resembling a lumpy bean pod. The greatest threat to the
beautiful pawpaw is destruction of habitat for residential development.
