Native Habitat Inventory Final Report 2004 - St. Lucie County

Site History/Habitat Disturbance – It is unclear what type(s) of disturbance may
have occurred, if any, but the sparse vegetation does suggest that the site was cleared in
the past. There are no old homesites, no ditches, and no roads within the site. A couple
small patches of dumped yard waste (e.g., pruned branches) were found. The only real
detriment is the site’s small size and proximity to developed housing areas and a major
primary road.
Table 3. Listed Species observed.
Common Name Scientific
Name
Federal
Status
State
Status
FNAI Rank
Global/State
Gopherus
Gopher Tortoise polyphemus none SSC G3/S3
Lantana
Florida
depressa var.
Shrubverbena floridana none E G2T2/S2
Endemic
to Florida
Table 4. Invasive Exotic Species observed.
Common Name Scientific Name FLEPPC
Status
State
Status
Rosary Pea Abrus precatorius Cat I none none
Australian Pine Casuarina equisetifolia Cat I prohibited none
Natal Grass Rhynchelytrum repens Cat II none none
Brazilian Pepper Schinus terebinthifolius Cat I prohibited none
Federal
Status
Ownership/Notes – This site is noteworthy for its relatively intact coastal dune
habitat. It has features of anopen beach dune in spots but not covered in exotics, with a
nice mix of native tropical species. Cowie Investment Ltd is the single landowner.
Recommendation/Management Requirements – The only active management
would be to remove the exotics, which are comparatively very sparse here and include
Abrus precatorius, Rhynchelytrum repens, and Schinus terebinthifolius. Vehicular traffic
should also be excluded to prevent damage to the vegetation and dumping.
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