Sweetwater Creek Watershed Mgmt. Plan 2007 Update--Part 2

CHAPTER 8
Table 8-10
Protected Plant Species documented in the Sweetwater Creek Watershed
Floral Species scientific name Common name FDA listing
Osmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon fern Commercially exploited
Osmunda regalis Royal fern Commercially exploited
Phlebodium aureum Golden polypody Threatened
Pteris vittata Chinese ladder brake Threatened
Spiranthes praecox Greenvein ladies’ tresses Threatened
Spiranthes vernalis Spring ladies’ tresses Threatened
Thelypteris kunthii Southern shield fern Threatened
Tillandsia fasciculata Cardinal airplant Commercially exploited
Tillandsia utriculata Giant airplant Commercially exploited
8.5.9 Exotic Species
Florida is particularly prone to biological invasions due to the widespread disturbance of native
habitats as well as its semi-tropical climate, great expanse of waterways, and "island-like
habitat" (bounded on three sides by water and the fourth by frost). This section discusses exotic
plants and animals that have been observed or have the potential of invading the Sweetwater
Creek watershed. Due to the degree of disturbance and the length of time of human habitation
in the area, the Sweetwater Creek watershed supports over 39 species of exotic plants and 50
species of exotic animals.
8.5.9.1 Exotic Plants
An exotic plant is a non-indigenous species, or one introduced to this state either purposefully
or accidentally. A naturalized exotic is a non-native plant that has reproduced on its own either
sexually or asexually.
Approximately 1.7 million acres of Florida's remaining natural areas have been invaded by
exotic plant species. These exotic plant invasions degrade and diminish Florida's natural areas.
Invasive, non-indigenous plants are non-native plants that have invaded Florida's forests and
wetlands. They replace native plant species and often form exotic monocultures. In many cases,
these stands of exotic plants are not useful to the state's wildlife, which have evolved to depend
on native plants for food and shelter. Native animals are rarely able to adapt to new exotic
plants. Animals that depend on native plants will move away or even become extinct if exotic
plants replace too many of our native plants. Some of the effects of invasive plant species
include:
• Decrease in biological diversity of native ecosystems
• Poisoning of some wildlife and livestock species
• Reduction of aquatic habitat for native fish and wildlife species, including listed species
8-33
Sweetwater Creek Watershed Management Plan