Action Plan to Conserve the Native Plants of Florida

In this document, a strategy aimed at conserving the native flora of Florida is presented. The strategy is developed in a four-step sequence. Following the Introduction (Part I), The Florida Native Plant Resource (Part II) describes the resource and the threats to it. That section includes a brief description of the vegetation of Florida prior to the demographic explosion of the last century, a report on the current status of plants in the state, and discussion of some factors responsible for the evident and continuing decline in the quality and quantity of the vegetation resource. In Part III (The Florida Plant Conservation Process), an explicit goal for plant conservation in Florida is expressed, a model describing the plant conservation process is presented, and activities included with each component of the model are examined and evaluated for the state as a whole. Finally, in Part IV (Recommendations To Improve The Process), changes are presented that we believe would help create a more effective plant conservation environment in Florida.

Atlantic Ais in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries: Maritime Adaptation, Indigenous Wrecking, and Buccaneer Raids on Florida’s Central East Coast

The Ais were a Native American group who lived along the Atlantic shoreline of Florida south of Cape Canaveral. This coastal population’s position adjacent to a major shipping route afforded them numerous encounters with the Atlantic world that linked Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas. Through their exploitation of the goods and peoples from the European shipwrecks thrown ashore, coupled with their careful manipulation of other Atlantic contacts, the Ais polity established an influential domain in central east Florida during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The pre-contact peoples of Florida’s east coast, including the ancestors of the Ais, practiced a maritime adaptation concentrated on the exploitation of their bountiful riverine, estuarine, and marine environments. The Ais then modified their maritime skills to cope with the opportunities and challenges that accompanied European contact. Using their existing aquatic abilities, they ably salvaged goods and castaways from the Spanish, French, English, and Dutch vessels dashed on the rocks and reefs of Florida’s coast. The Ais’ strategic redistribution of these materials and peoples to other Florida Native Americans, the Spaniards of St. Augustine, and other passing Europeans gained them greater influence. This process, which I call indigenous wrecking, enabled the Ais to expand their domain on the peninsula. Coastal Florida Native Americans’ maritime abilities also attracted the attention of Europeans. In the late seventeenth century, English buccaneers and salvagers raided Florida’s east coast to capture indigenous divers, whom they sent to work the wreck of a sunken Spanish treasure ship located in the Bahamas. The English subsequently sold the surviving Native American captives to other Caribbean slave markets. Despite population losses to such raids, the Ais and other peoples of the east coast thrived on Atlantic exchange and used their existing maritime adaptation to resist colonial intrusions until the start of the eighteenth century. This dissertation thus offers a narrative about Native Americans and the Atlantic that is unlike most Southeastern Indian stories. The Ais used their maritime adaptation and the process of indigenous wrecking to engage and exploit the arriving Atlantic world. In the contact era, the Ais truly became Atlantic Ais.

Wayside Trees of Tropical Florida : a guide to the native and exotic trees and palms of Miami and tropical south Florida

Wayside Trees is an beautifully illustrated guide to Florida trees growing south of Lake Okeechobee. It covers both native and exotic species in the areas of Miami to Palm Beach on the east coast, and Naples to Fort Meyers on the west. The introduction describes environmental, cultural and economic importance of trees, while a non-technical key provides a means for even non-specialists to identify the 167 most common species. The bulk of the book consists of illustrated descriptions of the trees, arranged by plant family, and includes ecological and cultural information on each species. Lavishly illustrated with over 1200 color photographs and diagrams, the book is designed to serve homeowners, gardeners, teachers and students, as well as environmental professionals. It is also a useful guide to urban tropical trees growing outside south Florida. The authors, a botanist and a graphic artist, have 70 collective years of experience living, working, and loving the trees of south Florida.

Growth and gas exchange responses of Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) and native South Florida species to salinity

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (Schinus) is an invasive exotic species widely found in disturbed and native communities of Florida. This species has been shown to displace native species as well as alter community structure and function. The purpose of this study was to determine if the growth and gas exchange patterns of Schinus, under differing salinity conditions, were different from native species. Two native upland glycophytic species (Rapanea punctata and Randia aculeata) and two native mangrove species (Rhizophora mangle and Laguncularia racemosa) were compared with the exotic. Overall, the exotics morphologic changes and gas exchange patterns were most similar to R. mangle. Across treatments, increasing salinity decreased relative growth rate (RGR), leaf area ratio (LAR) and specific leaf area (SLA) but did not affect root/shoot ratios (R:S). Allocation patterns were however significantly different among species. The largest proportion of Schinus biomass was allocated to stems (47%), resulting in plants that were generally taller than the other species. Schinus also had the highest SLA and largest total leaf area of all species. This meant that the exotic, which was taller and had thinner leaves, was potentially able to maintain photosynthetic area comparable to native species. Schinus response patterns show that this exotic exhibits some physiological tolerance for saline conditions. Coupled with its biomass allocation patterns (more stem biomass and large area of thin leaves), the growth traits of this exotic potentially provide this species an advantage over native plants in terms of light acquisition in a brackish forested ecosystem.

Pollination, Herbivory, and Habitat Fragmentation: Their Effects on the Reproductive Fitness of Angadenia berteroi, a Native Perennial Plant of the South Florida Pine Rocklands

Angadenia berteroi is a tropical perennial subshrub of the pine rocklands with large yellow flowers that set very few fruits. My dissertation seeks to elucidate the factors that affect the reproductive fitness of Angadenia berteroi a native species of the south Florida pine rocklands. I provide novel information on the pollination biology of this native species. I also assess the effects of herbivory on growth and the reproductive success of A. berteroi. Finally, I elucidate how habitat fragmentation and quality are correlated with reproductive fitness of this native perennial plant. Using a novel experimental approach, I determined the most effective pollinator group. I used nylon fishing line of widths corresponding to proboscis diameter of the major groups of visitors to examine pollen removal and deposition. In the field, I estimated visitation frequency and efficacy of each pollinator type. Using potted plants, I exposed flowers to single visit from different types of pollinators to measure fruit set. I performed artificial defoliation with scissors on plants growing in the greenhouse to assess the effects of defoliation before flowering as well as during flowering. Additionally, I used structural equation modelling (SEM) to elucidate how A. berteroi reproductive fitness was affected by habitat fragmentation and quality. My experiments provide evidence that Angadenia berteroi is specialized for bee pollination; though butterflies, skippers and others also visit its flowers, A. berteroi is exclusively pollinated by two native bees of the South Florida pine rocklands . This research also demonstrated that herbivory by the oleander moth may have direct and indirect effects on Angadenia berteroi growth and reproductive success. The SEM results suggested that habitat quality (litter depth and subcanopy cover) may favor reproduction in native species of the South Florida pine rocklands that are properly maintained by periodic fires and exotic control. Insights from this threatened and charismatic species may provide impetus to properly manage remaining pine rocklands in South Florida for this and other endemic understory species.

Pollination, herbivory, and habitat fragmentation: Their effects on the reproductive fitness of Angadenia berteroi, a native perennial plant of the south Florida pine rocklands

Angadenia berteroi is a tropical perennial subshrub of the pine rocklands with large yellow flowers that set very few fruits. My dissertation seeks to elucidate the factors that affect the reproductive fitness of Angadenia berteroi a native species of the south Florida pine rocklands. I provide novel information on the pollination biology of this native species. I also assess the effects of herbivory on growth and the reproductive success of A. berteroi. Finally, I elucidate how habitat fragmentation and quality are correlated with reproductive fitness of this native perennial plant.^ Using a novel experimental approach, I determined the most effective pollinator group. I used nylon fishing line of widths corresponding to proboscis diameter of the major groups of visitors to examine pollen removal and deposition. In the field, I estimated visitation frequency and efficacy of each pollinator type. Using potted plants, I exposed flowers to single visit from different types of pollinators to measure fruit set. I performed artificial defoliation with scissors on plants growing in the greenhouse to assess the effects of defoliation before flowering as well as during flowering. Additionally, I used structural equation modelling (SEM) to elucidate how A. berteroi reproductive fitness was affected by habitat fragmentation and quality. ^ My experiments provide evidence that Angadenia berteroi is specialized for bee pollination; though butterflies, skippers and others also visit its flowers, A. berteroi is exclusively pollinated by two native bees of the South Florida pine rocklands . This research also demonstrated that herbivory by the oleander moth may have direct and indirect effects on Angadenia berteroi growth and reproductive success. The SEM results suggested that habitat quality (litter depth and subcanopy cover) may favor reproduction in native species of the South Florida pine rocklands that are properly maintained by periodic fires and exotic control. Insights from this threatened and charismatic species may provide impetus to properly manage remaining pine rocklands in South Florida for this and other endemic understory species.^

Interview with Dr. J. Patrick O'Leary, the Founding Executive Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs of Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

A series of interviews with the founding deans of Florida Interanational University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine conducted on April 6, 2011 by Bohyun Kim, the Digital Access Librarian at Florida International University Medical Library. This audio recording is the interview with Dr. J. Patrick O'Leary, the Founding Executive Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, and the format of the audio file is MP3.

Interview with Dr. Joe Leigh Simpson, the Founding Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

A series of interviews with the founding deans of Florida Interanational University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine conducted on April 6, 2011 by Bohyun Kim, the Digital Access Librarian at Florida International University Medical Library. This audio recording is the interview with Dr. Joe Leigh Simpson, the Founding Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, and the format of the audio file is MP3.

Interview with Dr. John Rock, the Founding Dean of Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

A series of interviews with the founding deans of Florida Interanational University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine conducted on April 6, 2011 by Bohyun Kim, the Digital Access Librarian at Florida International University Medical Library. This audio recording is the interview with Dr. John Rock, the Founding Dean of Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University and the format of the audio file is MP3.

Interview with Dr. Sanford Markham, the Founding Executive Associate Dean for Student Affairs of Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine

A series of interviews with the founding deans of Florida Interanational University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine conducted on April 6, 2011 by Bohyun Kim, the Digital Access Librarian at Florida International University Medical Library. This audio recording is the interview with Dr. Sanford Markham, the Founding Executive Associate Dean for Student Affairs at Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, and the format of the audio file is MP3.

Are mangroves in the tropical Atlantic ripe for invasion? Exotic mangrove trees in the forests of South Florida

Abstract Two species of mangrove trees of Indo- Pacific origin have naturalized in tropical Atlantic mangrove forests in South Florida after they were planted and nurtured in botanic gardens. Two Bruguiera gymnorrhiza trees that were planted in the intertidal zone in 1940 have given rise to a population of at least 86 trees growing interspersed with native mangrove species Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans and Laguncularia racemosa along 100 m of shoreline; the population is expanding at a rate of 5.6% year-1. Molecular genetic analyses confirm very low genetic diversity, as expected from a population founded by two individuals. The maximumnumber of alleles at any locus was three, and we measured reduced heterozygosity compared to native-range populations. Lumnitzera racemosa was introduced multiple times during the 1960s and 1970s, it has spread rapidly into a forest composed of native R. mangle, A. germinans, Laguncularia racemosa and Conocarpus erectus and now occupies 60,500 m2 of mangrove forest with stem densities of 24,735 ha-1. We estimate the population growth rate of Lumnitzera racemosa to be between 17 and 23% year-1. Populations of both species of naturalized mangroves are dominated by young individuals. Given the long life and water-dispersed nature of propagules of the two exotic species, it is likely that they have spread beyond our survey area. We argue that the species-depauperate nature of tropical Atlantic mangrove forests and close taxonomic relatives in the more species-rich Indo-Pacific region result in the susceptibility of tropical Atlantic mangrove forests to invasion by Indo-Pacific mangrove species.

Are mangroves in the tropical Atlantic ripe for invasion? Exotic mangrove trees in the forests of South Florida

Two species of mangrove trees of Indo- Pacific origin have naturalized in tropical Atlantic mangrove forests in South Florida after they were planted and nurtured in botanic gardens. Two Bruguiera gymnorrhiza trees that were planted in the intertidal zone in 1940 have given rise to a population of at least 86 trees growing interspersed with native mangrove species Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans and Laguncularia racemosa along 100 m of shoreline; the population is expanding at a rate of 5.6% year-1. Molecular genetic analyses confirm very low genetic diversity, as expected from a population founded by two individuals. The maximumnumber of alleles at any locus was three, and we measured reduced heterozygosity compared to native-range populations. Lumnitzera racemosa was introduced multiple times during the 1960s and 1970s, it has spread rapidly into a forest composed of native R. mangle, A. germinans, Laguncularia racemosa and Conocarpus erectus and now occupies 60,500 m2 of mangrove forest with stem densities of 24,735 ha-1. We estimate the population growth rate of Lumnitzera racemosa to be between 17 and 23% year-1. Populations of both species of naturalized mangroves are dominated by young individuals. Given the long life and water-dispersed nature of propagules of the two exotic species, it is likely that they have spread beyond our survey area. We argue that the species-depauperate nature of tropical Atlantic mangrove forests and close taxonomic relatives in the more species-rich Indo-Pacific region result in the susceptibility of tropical Atlantic mangrove forests to invasion by Indo-Pacific mangrove species.

Interaction of the parasitic angiosperm {\it Cassytha filiformis\/} L. (Lauraceae) with the exotic {\it Schinus terebinthifolius\/} Raddi (Anacardiaceae) in southern Florida

Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) is an exotic shrub or small tree that has become well established as an invasive and highly competitive species through much of southern Florida. Love vine (Cassytha filiformis), a native parasitic plant, was noted parasitizing Brazilian pepper, apparently affecting its health. The objective of this study was to investigate the nature of this parasitic interaction in southern Florida. Brazilian pepper populations were studied to determine whether parasitism by love vine may affect growth and reproduction. Anatomical studies of love vine parasitizing Brazilian pepper determined physical aspects of the parasitic interaction at the cell and tissue level. Physiological aspects of this interaction were investigated to help describe love vine resource acquisition as a parasite on host Brazilian pepper plants, and as an autotrophic plant. An investigation of ecological aspects of this parasitic interaction was done to determine whether physical or biological aspects of habitats may contribute to love vine parasitism on Brazilian pepper. These studies indicated that: (1) parasitism by love vine significantly decreased growth and reproduction of Brazilian pepper plants; (2) anatomical and physiological investigations indicated that love vine was primarily a xylem parasite on Brazilian pepper, but that some assimilated carbon nutrients may also be acquired from the host; (3) love vine is autotrophic (i.e., hemiparasitic), but is totally dependent on its host for necessary resources; (4) the occurrence of love vine parasitism on Brazilian pepper is mediated by physical characters of the biological community. ^

Pollination and breeding of jackfruit ({\it Artocarpus heterophyllus\/} Lam.) in South Florida

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is a multi-purpose fruit tree, native to tropical Asia. It was introduced to South Florida in the early 1900s but has had little commercial importance. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in jackfruit as a commercial crop in South Florida, but there has been little scientific investigation conducted. The pollination mechanism was not clearly understood. This study focused on jackfruit breeding using 'Dang Rasimi' and 'Cheena' cultivars. Controlled hand-pollinations revealed that both cultivars were not apomictic. Both cultivars set fruit with self-pollination, but seed set and many fruit characters such as size, flesh percentage and edible percentage were greatly enhanced with cross-pollination. I conclude that jackfruit are outbreeding plants. Tests for pollen dispersal by wind were inconclusive. A variety of insects were collected, but few had a role in pollination. My results suggest that jackfruit are likely to have insect-assisted wind pollination in South Florida. ^