PLANTS

Poison Ivy

The photo of Poison Ivy was taken on the Wetlands Park Trail. This is one plant everyone should recognize when hiking in the woods of Florida.

Broad Needleleaf Bromeliad

Broad Needleleaf Bromeliad (Tillandsia simulata) The bromeliad is a member of the pineapple family and is a epiphyte. The epiphyte plants attach to a host plant for support but not for food. The Broad Needleleaf here is the only bromeliad species known only to Florida.

Resurrection Fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides)

The photo was taken at Green Springs, FL, The fern is native to the Americas and Africa. It is an epiphyte or air plant getting its nutrition from the air,water and surface of the bark. Then it dries out it turns a brown color, curls up and looks dead. When it rains it returns to the state you see here in 24 hours. Scientist think the plant could last for 100 years without water and still return after a single exposure to water again.

Westminster Caladium 001

Caladium - Pink Varieties ? Caladiums come in two types of leaves. The Fancy which this one is and the Strap leaved. There are also 35 varieties. The leaves grow directly from the bulb. They are native to Central and South America.

Cactus - Dutchman's Pipe 01

Dutchman's Pipe - Princess/Queen of the Night Epiphylium oxhypetalum This is a cactus that rarely blooms and only does it at night one time. The cactus is an epiphytic, getting its nutrients from the air, water and debris around it. This flower is Sir Lanka's native blossom. It is believed that the wishes of people who pray to God while the flower is blooming will have their payers fulfilled. The flower has a rich history in oriental cultures.