Fall 2006 - City of Plantation

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Plant OF THE QUARTER SIMPSON STOPPER (Myrcianthes fragrans) Patrice Sonnelitter, Associate Landscape Architect A BRIEF HISTORY AND SUMMARY Stop! Everyone should have a Stopper! There are several Stopper trees native to South Florida, the Keys and the Caribbean. The Simpson Stopper has also been commonly referred to as Twinberry. The botanical name is Myrcianthes fragrans. This makes the Simpson Stopper part of the Myrtaceae (or Myrtle) family. It was first named Myrtus fragrans in 1788, and has undergone 27 genus or species name changes since then. Fragrans indicates that the species has a fragrant component and the common name of Stopper tell us (as lore would have it) that the berries may have been used to stop diarrhea. While there seems to be no true medicinal qualities to any part of the plant, the orange-red edible fruit is devoured by birds and animals and its flower’s nectar is enjoyed by butterflies. The Simpson Stopper is not only the tree for all seasons, it is also the tree for all reasons. This most adaptable native species will delight you with its fragrance – leaf and flower; its seasonal color – white flowers and red berries; its interesting red peeling bark; its size – compact enough for the smallest garden in the sun or as a companion in the shade of a large canopy tree; its shape – multi-stemmed for screening or single trunk specimen; and its culture – sun to deep shade, salt and drought tolerate in a variety of soil types. HABIT/HEIGHT/SPREAD This is a slow growing, small tree or multistemmed tree to 20 feet (+/-) with a 15-foot spread. Used as a small specimen tree, its vase shape provides graceful shade to a small space. Used as a multi-stem large shrub this tree provides screening and privacy. FOLIAGE/FLOWERS/FRUIT This tree is evergreen. The small, dark green leaves are in scale with the size of the tree overall and have a eucalyptus-like smell when crushed. The small quarter-inch, white, fireworks type flower is also fragrant. Bloom time is throughout the year. The flower’s nectar attracts butterflies and bees. The red-orange berry appears in the fall and is staple to birds and small animals. BARK/BRANCHING The branching is upright and vase-like. The tree can be trained to be a small, single stem tree or a multi-stem large shrub. Its smooth, peeling bark is uncommonly handsome, and is THE SIMPSON STOPPER IS NOT ONLY THE TREE FOR ALL SEASONS, IT IS THE TREE FOR ALL REASONS. its most unforgettable characteristic. It is what makes this tree a specimen. CULTURAL ASPECTS The Simpson Stopper is one of the most adaptable native in our South Florida tree palette. Hardy from zone 9b to zone 11, it can be successfully planted in light shade, partial to full shade or full shade. In a full shade condition the branches will elongate exposing more of it sinewy branches. In partial sun the branches will remain shorter. Soil pH can range from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline; preferably moist yet withstanding periods of wet or drought. Once established, this species will not require additional irrigation. This tough little tree is also salt tolerant. If you like to propagate, collect the berries, remove the fleshy outer part, clean and dry the seeds Plant directly outside in the fall. LANDSCAPE DESIGN This tree is not utilized enough in the landscape. It has many design applications: specimen or mass planting; screening or canopy cover; multi-seasonal color; soil and light adaptability; fragrance and interesting bark. Its compact size and root zones make it suitable for small lots and concerns close to hardscape elements. Consider grouping trees together to created a small grove. Although they do well in storms, current information suggests grouping trees for added stability. PURCHASING AND PLANTING Native tree nurseries are good resources for purchasing Simpson Stoppers. However, they may be hard to find and will be small in size. Call around and keep asking. Nurserymen are encouraged to grow species that people want to buy. Don’t be tempted, however, if it demonstrates poor branch structure or girdled roots (roots that encircle the roots and run around the edge of the container). Keep looking. Look for a straight trunk with a single trunk with evenly spaced branches around the whole tree or multistem without crossing branches. Always plant to expose the root flare. Create a raised mulch ring (two to three inches) several feet from the trunk to retain the extra water you will be giving it until it is established and to discourage weed growth and that nasty string trimmer that loves to bite into its tender bark. Don’t let the mulch touch the bark either. This allows it to breathe and discourage ants from nesting there. GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY BOTANIZING!
MAYOR Rae Carole Armstrong CITY COUNCIL Jerry Fadgen, President Dr. Robert A. Levy, President Pro Tem Diane Veltri Bendekovic Rico Petrocelli Sharon Uria CITY DEPARTMENTS Daniel Keefe, Assistant to the Mayor Marcia Berkley, Planning, Zoning & Econ. Dev. Director Hank Breitenkam, Utilities Director Brett Butler, City Engineer Robert Castro, Information Technology Director Frank DeCelles, Public Works Director Danny Ezzeddine, Design & Constr. Mgmt. Director Herbert Herriman, Financial Serv. Director Monica Knapp, Library Director Larry L. Massey, Chief of Police Margie Moale, Human Resources Director Robert S. Pudney, Fire Chief James Romano, Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Sabouri, Building Director Jeffrey Siegel, Landscape Architect Susan Slattery, City Clerk PLANTATION QUARTERLY and RECREATION QUARTERLY STAFF Susan DiLaura, Editor Ginette Fogel, Graphic Designer Ken Boyce, Recreation Editor Cheryl Greenberg, Assistant Recreation Editor Plantation the grass is greener ® City of Plantation 400 NW 73rd Avenue Plantation, FL 33317 954-797-2200 www.Plantation.org AskCityHall@Plantation.org Table OF CONTENTS Welcome the Shade Brigade 4 City Seeks NWF Certification 4 Art in the Park 5 Equestrian Center Programs 6 Provider Pals 6 It Starts in the Park 7 Coming Soon: City Calendar 7 Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library 8 Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club 9 Parks & Recreation 10 Get to Know...Plantation Athletic League 10 Grants & Sponsorships 11 Community Development Block Grant 11 Plantation’s New Radio Station 12 Public Safety 12 Flood Insurance Requirements 13 Checklist for Damaged Trees 14 Bulk Waste Pickup Schedule 15 Historical Museum Receives Donation 15 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Grove East Update 16 Welcome PGH’s New CEO 16 Gateway Business Update 17 Landscape Edge Project 17 Midtown Transit Moving Forward 18 American Express – 30 Years in Plantation 18 Targeting Technology 19 ON THE COVER: 40th Year of Art in the Park At Art in the Park, visitors will find a beautiful paintings, sculptures, pottery and glassware, along with live music, children’s crafts, food and more! The City of Plantation congratulates the Plantation Junior Woman’s Club on bringing this lively event to Plantation for 40 years. For City of Plantation publications in alternative format, please contact the Purchasing Division at 954-797-2648. The City of Plantation will provide reasonable accommodations for disabled individuals requesting special assistance in order to attend or participate in City functions. Request for assistance must be made to the Office of the City Clerk at 954-797-2236 at least five calendar days prior to the meeting (three calendar days prior to a City Council meeting).
Page 1: Fall 2006 2007 City Calendars Comin
Page 5 and 6: Art in thePark LOOK WHO’S 40! ART
Page 7 and 8: It Starts IN THE PARK The City of P
Page 9 and 10: Golf ACADEMY PLANTATION PRESERVE GO
Page 11 and 12: Grants andSponsorships GRANTS RECEI
Page 13 and 14: Flood Insurance REQUIREMENTS FOR PL
Page 15 and 16: ChiefOsceola BUST CREATED FOR THE P
Page 17 and 18: Plantation Gateway CONTINUES TO GRO
Page 19: Targeting TECHNOLOGY Wayne Burns, E

Fall 2006 - City of Plantation

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