Land
Cover of Florida
|
|
|
|
These upland hardwood forests occur in extreme south Florida and are characterized by tree and shrub species on the northern edge of a range which extends southward into the Caribbean. These communities are sparsely distributed along coastal uplands south of a line from about Vero Beach on the Atlantic coast to Sarasota on the Gulf coast. They occur on many tree islands in the Everglades and on uplands throughout the Florida Keys. This cold- intolerant tropical community has very high plant species diversity, sometimes containing over 35 species of trees and about 65 species of shrubs. Characteristic tropical plants include strangler fig, gumbo-limbo, mastic, bustic, lancewood, ironwoods, poisonwood, pigeon plum, Jamaica dogwood, and Bahama lysiloma. Live oak and cabbage palm are also sometimes found within this community. Tropical hammocks in the Florida keys may also contain several plants, including lignum vitae, mahogany, thatch palms, and manchineel, which are extremely rare within the United States.
Prepared by: Terry Gilbert, Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission, Office of Environmental Services
Top of Page
Wildlife
Viewing Home | Where
to go in Florida | Species
Spotlight | Viewing
Information
In Your Back Yard |
Wings Over Florida Birding
Certificate Program | With Your Child
Publications |
Great Florida Birding Trail |
Florida Wildlife Calendar
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Last Update - 9/7/99