Schefflera actinophylla thru Sonchus oleraceus

Species Name	Common Name
Schefflera actinophylla	Schefflera / Umbrella tree
Schinus terebinthefolius	Brazilian Pepper
Selenicereus pteranthus	Princess of the Night/ Snake Cactus
Senna occidentalis	Septicweed / Coffee Senna
Senna pendula var. glabrata	Climbing Cassia
Serenoa repens	Saw Palmetto
Serenoa repens	Saw Palmetto Silver Variety
Setaria sp.	Bristlegrass / Foxtail
Sida cordifolia	Llima / Flannel Weed
Sida rhombifolia	Indian Hemp / Cuban Jute
Sideroxylon foetidissimum	False Mastic
Sideroxylon salicifolium	Willow-Bustic / White Bully
Simarouba glauca	Paradise Tree
Smilax auriculata	Earleaf Greenbrier / Catbrier
Smilax bona-nox	Saw Greenbrier / Catbrier
Solanum americanum	American Nightshade
Sonchus oleraceus	Common Sowthistle

 

 

Schefflera actinophylla Schefflera / Umbrella tree Schefflera actinophylla is a non-native, evergreen tree member of Family Araliaceae (The Aralia Family). It was introduced to Florida landscaping in 1927; it spread, became naturalized, and is now considered an invasive species in southern Florida. This plant can grow to twelve meters, is usually multi-trunked, and has greenish bark. It often grows as an epiphyte in boots of cabbage palms similar to Ficus aurea (Strangler Fig). The schefflera in these photographs was an epiphyte in the hammock of the Smith Preserve. Leaves are alternate with petioles to 61 cm long. Leaves are palmately compound, and usually in groups of seven leaflets. Each leaflet is shiny and light green, with a rounded apex and tapering base. A leaflet can be up to 30 cm long, have pinnate venation, and an entire margin. Flowers develop at the top of the plant on a two meter long raceme. Each raceme contains up to 1000 small, red flowers. The fruit is a purplish-black, round, fleshy drupe, 7 mm in diameter. Fruits are eaten by birds.   Return to top

 

 

Schinus terebinthefolius Brazilian Pepper Schinus terebinthefolius is a non-native, naturalized, invasive, small shade tree in Family Anacardiaceae (The Cashew Family). It is a densely branched, fast-growing evergreen that reaches six meters in height. As shown below, the leaves are pinnately compound, with 4 to 6 paired leaflets and a terminal leaflet. Each leaflet is oblong and 6.4 cm long with prominent leaf veins. The foliage is aromatic. Brazilian pepper has showy whitish-green flowers in terminal panicles. The plant depends on flies, bees, wasps, and butterflies for pollination. Its fruits are small, round, red, clustered berries, each less than 6 mm in diameter. Birds and mammals eat the berries and distribute the seeds. Like other members of Family Anacardiaceae (poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac), Brazilian pepper causes dermatitis to people with sensitive skin. Schinus terebinthefolius produces toxins that inhibit the germination and growth of other plants and it is classified as a Category I invasive exotic by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Category I invasives alter native plant communities by displacing native species and changing the community structures and/or ecological functions. Whenever this species is spotted in the Smith Preserve, it is removed. According to an article posted on WashingtonPost.com on February 10, 2017, Brazilian pepper may be a new weapon used in the fight against antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Used by traditional healers for centuries in the Amazon, Brazilian pepper berries are used to treat skin infections. Researchers from Iowa and Emory Universities believe the plant contains a chemical that effectively neutralizes methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The chemical's effectiveness tested in mice, has been found to disarm the MRSA, preventing it from excreting toxins that damage tissues. According to an ethnobotanist at Emory, "The body's normal immune system then stands a better chance of healing the wound." Return to top

 

 

Selenicereus pteranthus Princess of the Night / Snake Cactus This member of the cactus family Cactaceae is non-native to Florida. This particular plant is growing just north of 14th Avenue and east of the last home bordering the western edge of Smith Preserve and 14th Avenue. These images were sent for identification to Roger Hammer, author of numerous Florida wildflower books. On January 22, 2023, Roger identified the species. This cactus is a perennial, vine-like, and has 4 to 6 angled stems that can grow up to 3 meters long and 5 cm in diameter. The cactus is a spiny, leafless epiphyte. The spines are solitary or in clusters of 2 to 4. The flowers, which bloom at night are fragrant, trumpet-shaped, and white or a pale cream color. The cactus is native to Mexico, where it is pollinated by nectar bats. It is thought that since Florida doesn't have these bats, it is nocturnal beetles that pollinate them here. Return to top

 

 

Senna occidentalis Septicweed / Coffee Senna On March 6, 2012, the plant in these photographs was growing adjacent to the elevated road in the Smith Preserve. Its identity was confirmed from these photographs by Roger Hammer, author of Florida Keys Wildflowers and Everglades Wildflowers on April 6, 2014. Senna occidentalis is a non-native, annual or short-lived perennial member of Family Fabaceae (The Pea Family). The plant grows to a height of 2 m. Leaves are compound, with 4 or more pairs of lanceolate leaflets. Each leaflet is 2 to 9 cm long and 2 to 3 cm wide with a sharp apex. A gland is located close to the base of the leaf stalk. Flower sepals are green and petals are yellow. As shown in the last photograph, seed pods are dark brown. Seeds are brown, 4 to 5 mm long, and flattened at both ends. In Senegal, western Africa the seeds are roasted and used as a substitute for coffee. Although the plant has been purported to be poisonous to cattle, leaves of the plant have been used in the diet of the Maldives for centuries and as a medicinal plant to treat ringworm. The plant is the larval host of Eurema nicippe (Sleepy Orange Butterfly).   Return to top

 

 

Senna pendula var. glabrata Climbing Cassia On February 10, 2018 this plant was observed to be growing along the western berm of the temporary pond in the Smith Preserve. The distinctive leaves and beans were used by the webmaster to identify the plant as the invasive Category I Climbing Cassia. To confirm the identification, these images were sent to Roger Hammer, author of Florida Keys Wildflowers and Everglades Wildflowers. His response on February 10, 2018: "Yes, Susan, that’s the correct ID. Those pods crush easily, unlike the legumes of other members of of the genus. Kill it before it multiplies." His advice was taken and the plant has been removed. Climbing cassia is native to tropical South America, particularly Brazil and Paraguay. It is an erect or sprawling shrub growing 2 to 4 meters tall. Its stems have many branches and its once-compound leaves have 3 to 6 pairs of leaflets with rounded tips and prominent yellowish margins. Leaflets are 1 to 5 cm long and 5 to 20 mm wide. Although this particular plant was not blooming when it was discovered in the Preserve, flowers are bright yellow, about 3 cm wide, and have 5 large petals. Flowers are in leafy clusters at the tips of the branches. The species was introduced to Florida in the 1930s. Today, it is considered a Category I invasive. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council defines a Category I invasive as a species that is altering native plant communities, displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives. Return to top

 

 

 

Serenoa repens Saw Palmetto Serenoa repens is a native, small palm in Family Arecaceae (The Palmae Family). It normally reaches a height of two to four meters. Its trunk is sprawling and grows at or below ground level. This palm grows in clumps and dense thickets in sandy areas. Saw palmetto is a hearty plant that grows very slowly and can live for 500 to 700 years. In a fire, the leaves may burn, but the trunk usually survives. As shown above, Serenoa repens is a fan palm, with each leaf made of about 20 leaflets attached to a petiole. The leaves are light green and one to two meters in length. The leaflets are 50–100 cm long. As shown at left, the petiole has saw-like teeth that give the species its common name. As shown in the photographs below, flowers are yellowish-white, about 5 mm in diameter, and produced in dense compound panicles, 60 cm long. The fruits are green, ripening to reddish-purple drupes. They are an important food source for wildlife and edible to humans. Extracts from the fruits are used to treat several medical conditions including enlarged prostrate and baldness. Saw palmetto is the host plant for the larvae of some Lepidoptera species. Photograph of ripe (purple) fruits: Courtesy of Roz Katz, Conservancy of Southwest Florida volunteer.   Return to top

 

 

Serenoa repens Saw Palmetto Silver Variety Silver saw palmetto, like the green variety of Serenoa repens shown earlier, is a native ornamental shrub member of Family Arecacea (The Palmae Family). Silver saw palmetto is actually a natural mutation of green saw palmetto. As shown in the photograph above, the silver variety has leaves with a distinct silver or bluish-green color. It can grow up to three meters tall, but usually the trunks lay flat on the ground and the leaves give the plant a height of around 1.5 to 1.8 m. Silver saw palmetto is resistant to drought, fire, and freezing. It grows in partial shade to full sun. Like the green variety, the silver variety is a slow growing, bush-like plant, and an important food source and nesting habitat for birds and other animals.   Return to top

 

 

Setaria sp. Bristlegrass / Foxtail Setaria sp. is a member of Family Poaceae (The Grass Family). There are more than 100 species living in the tropics and subtropics. As can be seen from these photographs, Setaria sp. has erect stems. The inflorescence is a dense, compact, spike-like panicle. The second and third photographs show the grass covered in morning dew. The hard-coated seeds, as shown in the close-up photograph at left, are an important food source for a variety of birds.   Return to top

 

 

Sida cordifolia Llima / Flannel Weed Sida cordifolia is a non-native, perennial undershrub member of Family Malvaceae (The Mallow Family). It grows to one meter, is naturalized in Florida, and is considered an invasive weed. The species name, cordifolia, refers to its cordate (heart-shaped) leaf. The entire plant is covered with soft, white, felt-like hairs. This characteristic is what gives the plant one of its common names, "flannel weed". The stems are erect, slender, and yellow-green. The leaves have serrated edges and are yellow-green, 3.5 to 7.5 cm long, and 2.5 to 6 cm wide. As shown above, the flowers are yellow, sometimes with a darker orange center. They are small and have a hairy five-lobed calyx and five-lobed petals. Flowers are clustered in inflorescences. The sixth photograph shows a group of ants exploring a hairy inflorescence. The fifth photograph shows dried fruit capsules. Each capsule has segments usually arranged in a circle with the seeds forming radial segments. The fruit splits at maturity along a line of weakness and releases its seeds. Each seed is tiny (1.8 x 1.2 x 2.3 mm), brown, and kidney-shaped with a smooth surface. Each plant produces thousands of seeds. For over 5000 years, Sida cordifolia has been used as an alternative medicine in India for treating such maladies as urinary problems, inflammations, and bleeding disorders.   Return to top

 

 

Sida rhombifolia Indian Hemp / Cuban Jute Sida rhombifolia is a native, short-lived perennial, subshrub in the Family Malvaceae (The Mallow Family). It grows in disturbed areas to a height of 50 to 120 centimeters. It has erect to sprawling branched stems with woody lower sections, and a taproot with many lateral roots. As seen in the first photograph, leaves (about 2 cm long) are arranged alternately along the stem. The petioles (leaf stems) are less than a third of the length of the leaves. The leaf shape is variable with some leaves broadly ovate, while others are lance-shaped or rhomboidal. Leaves are serrated at the margins, especially from the middle of the leaf to the tip. Each flower is on a slender pedicel (flower stem) 2 to 3 cm long that arises from the area between the stem and a leaf petiole. Photograph two shows the flower has five petals. It is 4 to 8 mm in diameter and creamy to orange-yellow in color. Some may have a reddish center. Each of the overlapping petals is asymmetric, with a long lobe on one side. The stamens unite in a short column. The plant blooms throughout the year and the flowers attract butterflies, bees, and birds. The fruit is a ribbed capsule, which dries and breaks into 8 to 10 segments. A single plant can produce 11,600 seeds. There are many uses for this plant. The high quality fiber in Indian hemp stems is used as rough cordage. The plant has been used for herbal medicines. Pounded leaves relieve swelling, fruits relieve headaches, and roots are used to treat rheumatism.   Return to top

 

 

Sideroxylon foetidissimum False Mastic Sideroxylon foetidissimum is a native, perennial, fast growing large tree belonging to Family Sapotaceae (The Chicle Family). It can grow to 18 m or more, has a buttressed trunk, and is common in hammocks. In the Smith Preserve, the tree shown here is growing in the southeast hammock. Leaves are alternate, smooth textured, shiny/glossy, wavy, and elliptic to oblong and lance-shaped with long petioles. The leaves are 7.6 to 15 cm long and 2 to 4 cm wide or larger. The midrib vein is sunken. Leaves of the false-mastic tree are commonly attacked by Ceropsylla sideroxyli (Jumping Plant Louse). False mastic flowers are yellow, clustered along the stems, and smell like rotted flesh or cheese. Each flower is 6 mm wide. Fruits begin green, ellipsoidal, small (17 to 21 mm in diameter) and have seeds. As the fruits ripen, they turn yellow or orange and are edible. Both people and birds enjoy the fruit. As with other members of the chicle family, the pulp is gummy. This characteristic may be the origin of its common name, "False Mastic." Sideroxylon foetidissimum wood is hard and is used in shipbuilding in the West Indies.   Return to top

 

 

Sideroxylon salicifolium Willow-Bustic / White Bully The species name "salicifolium" is derived from "salix" meaning "willow" and "folia" meaning "leaf." The willow-bustic that is shown in these photographs is growing in the Smith Preserve, adjacent to the gopher tortoise fence behind the Conservancy's maintenance building. This small, native tree species reaches 10 to 20 meters in height, has smooth beige bark, and spirally arranged leaves. The small, 1 to 4 mm in diameter cream-colored flowers are born in clusters of 5 to 12. The flowers provide nectar for Ephyriades brunneus (Florida Duskywing Skipper) and Calycopsis cercrops (Red-Banded Hairstreak). These photographs were taken in early spring, April 4, 2019, when the tree was beginning to bud. Later, small berry fruits will develop. The berries are 6 to 10 mm long, each with 3 seeds. As the fruits ripen, they turn from green to reddish brown to dark brown. In the Caribbean, the wood is used for constructing flooring, telephone poles, carts, cabinets and furniture. Return to top

 

 

Simarouba glauca Paradise Tree This native flowering tree, a member of Family Simaroubaceae, grows in warm, humid, tropical regions. It grows best in temperatures of 50° to 104 ° F. It does not survive frost. As shown in these photographs, leaves are pinnately compound. They are 40.6 cm long with shiny, leathery, oblong leaflets. As shown in the third photograph, young leaflets have a reddish color, as do the stems. This young tree, photographed in the Smith Preserve, was planted in 2013. Mature trees grow along the Lagoon Trail at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. A mature tree grows 12 to 15 meters tall and has a span of 7.6 to 9 meters. It produces yellow flowers and oval, purple-red, fleshy fruits that attract birds. Seeds produce an edible oil. Photograph 4 was taken of fruits on trees along the Lagoon Trail. Return to top

 

 

Smilax auriculata Earleaf Greenbrier / Catbrier Smilax auriculata is a native, perennial, evergreen shrub vine member of Family Smilacaceae (The Smilax Family). It is woody, grows 6 m long, and may or may not have small spines on the stems. The stems and spines are smooth (hairless). The roots are dense masses of potato-like tubers. Earleaf greenbrier often forms tangled thickets in hardwood hammocks, swamps, scrubs, and pinelands. It grows throughout the Smith Preserve. Earleaf greenbrier leaves are alternate and leathery with entire margins. They have three prominent veins. There are a variety of leaf shapes, but leaves often have a pointed tip and lobed base. Leaves are 2.5 to 10 cm long and 1.3 to 5 cm wide. The genus name, auriculata, refers to an earlobe-shaped leaf base where the leaf attaches to the petiole. As seen in the photograph at left, the arrow points to an earlobe-shaped leaf base. As shown in first two photographs below, the flowers are tiny (6 to 10 mm in diameter), green, fragrant, and arranged in an umbel (cluster of flowers with stalks of nearly equal length that spring from the same point). The umbel is positioned at the junction of the stem and the leaf. The umbel stalk is 1.5 times the length of a leaf petiole. As shown in the last photograph, the fruits look like clusters of small grapes, each berry has two to three seeds. Earleaf greenbrier has a variety of human uses. New growth is edible and tastes like asparagus. Historically, the root was used to make a tonic as a cure for gonorrhea. Since the tuberous roots are rich in starch, they can be dried, ground into a powder, and used with cereal flours to make breads, soups, and jellies. The thorns can be rubbed on skin as a counter-irritant to relieve localized pains, muscle cramps and twitching. A tea made from the leaves and stems has been used as a treatment for rheumatism and stomach problems.   Return to top

 

 

Smilax bona-nox Saw Greenbrier / Catbrier Smilax bona-nox is a native, evergreen, perennial, shrub vine member of Family Smilacaceae (The Smilax Family). It grows in disturbed habitats and forms nearly impenetrable thickets that provide cover for small animals. This vine has climbing and branching stems that grow up to eight meters long. Many branches have thorns up to 9 mm long. Smilax bona-nox gets its common names "Saw Greenbrier" and "Catbrier" from having these large thorns. As shown in the photograph at left, the lower stems and thorns are covered with brown scales that are rough to the touch. Leaves are alternate and simple. Leaf shape is variable. The margins are thick and can be entire or have small sharp thorns. The top of a leaf is shiny dark green and often mottled with pale green; the bottom is pale green. Leaves are 5 to 14 cm long and 1 to 12 cm wide. Flowers are arranged in umbels. An umbel is a cluster of flowers with stalks of nearly equal length that spring from the same point. A single umbel of saw greenbrier contains fifteen or more pale green flowers. An umbel stalk is nearly the same length as a leaf petiole. This is a good characteristic to use in distinguishing Smilax bona-nox from Smilax auriculata. As shown in the photograph at left, the fruits look like clusters of small grapes. They are often covered with a powdery, waxy coating and are about 5 mm in diameter. Each berry contains one seed. This is another good characteristic to use in distinguishing Smilax bona-nox from Smilax auriculata. The berries provide food for many species of animals, including birds. The fruit, root, and stem of saw greenbrier are edible. The fruit can be eaten raw, but has a rubbery texture. The root is dried and ground into a powder and made into gelatine. Young shoots are eaten raw or cooked. Medicinal uses for the plant include as a birthing aid, a diuretic, a poultice, and as a treatment for rheumatism and stomach problems. Photograph of the fruit: Courtesy of Sheri Arnold, Conservancy of Southwest Florida volunteer.   Return to top

 

 

Solanum americanum American Nightshade Solanum americanum is a native, annual or short-lived perennial member of Family Solanaceae. American nightshade grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 meters. Its leaves are alternate and vary a great deal in size. A leaf can reach a length of 10 cm, a width of 7 cm, and have a 4 cm long petiole. Leaves are oval to lance-shaped and have toothed margins. Flowers are in two to four-flowered umbels. Each flower is about 1 cm in diameter. As seen in these photographs, the flowers are white with yellow stamens. Flowers bloom year round. As shown in the fourth photograph, the fruit begins green and ages to become a shiny, 5 to 10 mm in diameter, black berry. Each fruit contains many seeds. The green fruit is very poisonous and eating it can result in death by respiratory paralysis. Ripe berries and foliage are also known to be poisonous. However, when properly prepared, the plant is used as a medicine in some countries.   Return to top

 

 

Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle Sonchus oleraceus is a non-native, naturalized, annual member of Family Asteraceae (The Aster, Daisy, or Sunflower Family). It thrives in disturbed areas with full sun, and can tolerate most soil conditions. Its genus name Sonchus refers to its hollow stem and its species name oleraceus refers to its good taste. Its common name "sow thistle" refers to its being a desirable food of swine. Common sow thistle has a deep taproot and grows to a height of 30 to 110 cm. When disturbed, the five-angled dark green stems exude latex (a white milk). On a mature plant, the leaves are deeply lobed (as shown in the photographs above), thin, soft, and dark green with irregularly-toothed margins ending in small, soft spines. The lower leaves on the stem can be up to 25 cm long. They have pale white to pale purple veins, and as shown in the first photograph above, form a rosette (a leaf cluster often lying flat against the ground). Flower heads are yellow and 5 to 6mm in diameter. They are arranged in irregular terminal panicles. This type of panicle is a compound inflorescence with a main axis and lateral branches which are further branched, Each branch terminates with a flower or bud. Flowers open around 6 am and close at 11 am. Flowers are pollinated by bees and flies. Common sow thistle spreads by achenes carried by wind or water. What appears to most people to be its seed, is really its fruit (achene). As shown at left, the achene is a dry 1-seeded fruit. It is 2.5 to 4 mm long and 1 mm wide. It is brown, three-ribbed on each face, wrinkled, compressed, and narrow at the ends and wide in the middle. Attached to the achene are white silky hairs (pappus), that act like a parachute. Each hair is 5 to 8 mm long. People eat the plant's leaves as salad greens and cook them like spinach. The plant is also a source of food and cover for small mammals and birds.   Return to top

© Photographs and text by Susan Leach Snyder (Conservancy of Southwest Florida Volunteer), unless otherwise credited above.

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