Red Mangrove

Common Names: Red Mangrove
Botanical Name: Rhizophora mangle

Description:
Red mangrove is a native coastal tree commonly found along shorelines and estuarine waters. It is identifiable by its distinctive arching prop roots that extend from the trunk into the water, stabilizing the tree in soft, tidal soils. These roots trap sediment, reduce erosion, and provide habitat for fish, oysters, and other marine life.

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Rhizophoraceae
Genus: Rhizophora
Species: Rhizophora mangle – Red Mangrove

Black Mangrove

Common Names: Black Mangrove
Botanical Name: Avicennia germinans

Description:
Black mangrove grows slightly inland from red mangrove in coastal wetlands. It is known for its vertical, pencil-like pneumatophores that protrude from the soil to allow oxygen intake in waterlogged conditions. Leaves are dark green on top and pale or silvery beneath. Black mangroves contribute to shoreline stabilization and provide important wildlife habitat.

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Avicennia
Species: Avicennia germinans – Black Mangrove

Lesser Swine Cress

Common Names: Lesser Swine Cress
Botanical Name: Lepidium didymum

Description:
Lesser swine cress is a low-growing herb found in disturbed soils, lawns, and pathways. It spreads close to the ground with finely divided leaves and produces small, inconspicuous flowers followed by rounded seed pods. It is often considered a weed but thrives in compacted coastal and urban environments.

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Lepidium
Species: Lepidium didymum – Lesser Swine Cresse

Virginia Pepperweed

Common Names: Virginia Pepperweed
Botanical Name: Lepidium virginicum

Description:
Virginia pepperweed is an upright annual or biennial herb common in sandy, disturbed, or coastal soils. It has narrow stem leaves and clusters of small white flowers that develop into flat, circular seed pods. It is native and adaptable, frequently found along roadsides and open areas.

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Brassicales
Family: Brassicaceae
Genus: Lepidium
Species: Lepidium virginicum – Virginia Pepperweed

Cabbage Palm

Common Names: Cabbage Palm, Sabal Palm
Botanical Name: Sabal palmetto

Description:
Cabbage palm is a native, salt-tolerant palm common throughout coastal Florida. It has a single rough trunk and a crown of large, fan-shaped fronds. Frequently used in landscaping, it also occurs naturally in coastal hammocks and near wetlands. It provides habitat and food sources for birds and other wildlife.
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Sabal
Species: Sabal palmetto – Cabbage Palm