Identify Flora

More than playing just a supporting role, some native plants are a star attraction in the ecosystem. As you travel through upland, lowland and littoral (near-shore) habitats, see if you can spot these “celebrities."

Royal palm
The Florida species is native; McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers sports the Cuban variety.

Sea grass
Flowering sea grasses, prevalent underwater in Pine Island Sound, feed the gentle manatee.

Sea oats
More than just a pretty picture, protected sea oats anchor sand dunes near the shore.

Sea grapes
Native Americans supplemented seafood diets with the fruit of this “windbreaker" plant.

Beach daisy, Beach sunflower
These sunny-faced plants are found bobbing in the breeze on area beaches.

Saw palmetto
Used extensively by Calusa Indians for daily living items, such as needle and thread.

Orchids
Non-native species can be seen hanging on host trees at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Alligator flag
This leafy waterside plant surrounds Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve’s observation decks.

Railroad vine
This runner “chugs" its way across sandy soil and preserves protective dunes at the shoreline.

Mango
Several luscious varieties grow on Pine Island; catch the fun-filled annual Mango Mania festival each July.

Slash pine
Grey squirrels and wild turkey are partial to the seeds of this coastal plain tree.

Black sapote
Mixed with cream, milk or ice cream, the fruit of this tree tastes like chocolate.

Butterfly bush
See these at Lovers Key State Park’s butterfly garden, where they attract the winged creatures.

Cabbage palm
The Florida state tree is also called the sabal palm and was used by pioneers to build log cabins.

Cypress
Not the Mediterranean country, but a tree that’s adapted to living with its feet in water.

Gumbo limbo
Sometimes called the “tourist tree" because of its peeling reddish-brown bark.