Native Habitat Inventory Final Report 2004 - St. Lucie County

Site History/Habitat Disturbance – Fire-suppression seems to be the primary issue
here. In spots, the vegetation is very dense. The southern portion is largely covered in
numerous invasive exotics, which probably came in after the area was partially cleared.
Unfortunately, the newly finished highway to the north creates a substantial barrier for
wildlife movement.
Table 3. Listed Species observed.
Common Name Scientific Name Federal
Status
State
Status
FNAI Rank
Global/State
Largeflower False
Rosemary
Conradina
grandiflora none T G3/S3
Gopher Tortoise
Gopherus
polyphemus none SSC G3/S3
Nodding Pinweed Lechea cernua none T G3/S3
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
Asparagus Fern Asparagus densiflorus Cat I none none
Australian Pine Casuarina equisetifolia Cat I prohibited none
Carrotwood Cupaniopsis anacardioides Cat I noxious none
Chinaberry Melia azedarach Cat I none none
Sword Fern Nephrolepis cordifolia Cat I none none
Guinea Grass Panicum maximum Cat II none none
Natal Grass Rhynchelytrum repens Cat II none none
Bowstring Hemp Sansevieria hyacinthoides Cat II none none
Brazilian Pepper Schinus terebinthifolius Cat I prohibited none
Federal
Status
Ownership/Notes – This site is not notable, although the northern part does have
some potential. There are 3 landowners. The largest landowner is St. Lucie County (5
acres).
Recommendation/Management Requirements – Management would include the
removal of exotics, which are very dense along the edges and to the south, and the
implementation of a fire regime. With a less dense canopy and a less dense shrub layer,
the rare species would probably be able to increase their numbers in the openings.
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