Tropical Hardwood Hammock Invasive Species

Fish and wildlife service.

Tropical hardwood hammock invasive species.

Tropical hardwood hammocks are habitat for a few endemic plants and are critical habi. Historically much of key largo was a dense hardwood hammock established on fossilized coral. Tropical hardwood hammocks are threatened by invasive exotic species taking of native species by collectors water level changes conversion to agriculture and development. Only use this list as a guide for common botanical names etc.

We re trying to restore this to tropical hardwood hammock which benefits all the species here in key largo said jeremy dixon the biologist who serves as the refuge s manager. Some of these species include torchwood gumbo limbo wild tamarind wild lime west indian mahogany pigeon plum and wild coffee. Wildlife living in hardwood hammocks originates from temperate regions in contrast to the native flora which originates from tropical regions. Wildlife residing in hardwood hammocks are mostly of temperate origin rather than tropical in contrast to the characteristic plantlife.

In the deeper sloughs and marshes the seasonal flow of water helps give these hammocks a distinct aerial teardrop shape. Not all species are listed or available. Hammocks can be found nestled in most all other everglades ecosystems. Tropical hardwood hammocks are closed canopy forests dominated by a diverse assemblage of evergreen and semi deciduous tree and shrub species mostly of west indian origin.

A hardwood hammock is a dense stand of broad leafed trees that grow on a natural rise of only a few inches in elevation.