Explore a Mesic Hammock Preview

1

Wild Coffee

Wild Coffee (Psychotria nervosa) is a Florida native plant with a long history. Native American tribes would use the bean to brew teas, or carry the bean around with the rumor that it was a 'love bean'. While this plant is commonly called wild coffee, there is no caffeine in the beans. It is edible to humans, but reports are only that it is bitter and leaves you with a headache.

2

Orchard Orbweaver

The Orchard Orbweaver (Leucauge argyrobapta) are named due to being the most common species of spider found in orange orchards. They are not known to be aggresive, but will flee to the edge of their web when a predator is near.

3

Resurrection Fern

Resurrection Fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides) is a truly amazing plant. Look above you and notice how the fern grows all over giant live oaks. Resurrection Fern will be a vibrant green, with lively leaves when it has water. During times of drought, the plant will look dried, dark, and dead. Once it receives water again it thrives, 'resurrecting' back to life. It can lose more than 75% of its water content and still go on to survive!

4

Orange Trees

Did you know citrus is actually not native to Florida? It was believed to be brought here by Christopher Columbus in 1493, where the crops took off! Look around the forest for remnants of old citrus groves.

5

Hog Damage

Further into the forest, you may begin to notice the ground changing. This organic and dark soil holds more roots and bugs, something that wild hogs go crazy for! Watch your step, trails may look damaged and uprooted thanks to wild hogs searching for food.

6

Spanish Moss

Look above and around you! All over you will see Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides). Spanish moss has a few misconceptions; no, it is not from Spain. Spanish moss is also not parasitic; but in the Tillandsia family, making it a distanct cousin of a pineapple! Spanish moss once was commonly used for purposes such as stuffing pillows, mattresses, and even the first Model T but Ford! Soon humans realized how many bugs (ticks, red bugs) thrive in the safety of the moss and moved to less itchy alternatives.

7

Lichen

The trees surrounding you may be the host to a special organism called lichens. Lichens are formed when an algae lives with a fungi, and are the rings found on the surface of trees. One of the most popular species of lichen is called Christmas Lichen, which forms almsot a peptobismol colored ring. Lichens are a good indication of fresh, clean air.

8

Golden Silk Orbweaver

You may know this little spider commonly as a banana spider! While slightly intimidating, these spiders are harmless. They are commonly seen in Florida and are renowned for building elaborate webs.

9

Wild Olive

This shrubby plant is know as wild olive, or devilwood (Osmanthus americanus). A florida native, it is in the same family as cultivated black or green olives. The flowers are very fragrant, and the olives turn from green to black as they ripen.