Linear view vs. Masonry View

Bad Seed

Came across this interesting specimen alongside a trail in Myakka River State Park. If I knew then what I know now about the Tropical Soda Apple (Solanum viarum), I would’ve happily yanked that nasty weed right out of the ground!

This spiny plant, native to Brazil and Argentina, was first documented in Florida in 1988. Since then it has infested over a million acres in the state and spread to other southern states. Due to its rapid growth and landscape dominance, TSA was added to the Florida Noxious Weed List in 1994 and the Federal Noxious list the following year.

Ready for some fun math? Each plant is capable of producing 200 (or more) fruit per year and each fruit contains about 400 seeds. That’s 80,000 seeds that are happily dispersed by hungry wildlife. (Cautionary note: though wildlife seems to enjoy the ripe fruit it contains solasodine, which is poisonous to humans.)

Now, back to the math, with an estimated 75% germination rate that’s 60,000 new plants a year. Here’s the mind-boggling part, by that second year; 60,000 x 200 fruits x 400 seeds = 4.8 billion seeds!

From my years of experience fighting Buffelgrass (a noxious weed out west) I know that battles like this require multiple modes of attack. It’s easy to see why manual removal is not an adequate measure.

There are several herbicides that have proven effective and the USDA has authorized use of the Tropical Soda Apple Leaf Beetle (Gratiana boliviana) as a biological pest control. Currently, there is also a natural, biological herbicide being developed for control TSA though it is not yet available for public.

Next time I see one of these out on the trail, regardless of all the spines, I’m pulling it up!

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Wander-ful Day

Last week’s visit to Myakka River State Park was a bit warm but Alyssa and I had a wonderful time wandering.

Luckily for us, wildlife outnumbered people during our visit. We were treated to an Eastern Meadowlark serenade, watched a fawn and a three adult White-tailed deer graze, glimpsed a Wild Turkey, spotted a Limpkin, and spent some quality time with a dozen American Alligators (from a safe distance, of course).

Though the water level was low, the river valley was full of lush green growth. Easy to see why the ranch that preceded the park was named “Meadow Sweet Pastures”.

Thank goodness the land was set aside back in 1942 before Florida’s massive growth spurts (the first after WWII and most recently, in the past few years). The park’s 37,000 acres provide a safe haven for wildlife that are increasingly hemmed in by housing developments.

We ended our day with a little waterfront snack under a partial rainbow. Truly a lovely outing!

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No Bad Days…

This morning’s beach cleanup on Treasure Island was another successful outing. Our beaches are fairly clean, thanks in a large part to the flow of the gulf current, since it is picking up speed along our coast, it carries debris away.

When the current hits the Texas coastal bend it slows down and drops it all off. Which I experienced first hand when I lived along the Texas coast, it was great for beach combing but also rather depressing to see all the trash wash ashore.

Even with the assist from the water, I filled my bag twice this morning, mostly cigarette butts (and one used condom – blech). As always, I found a few treasures and this time I even made a little money (three whole pennies). The best part of the morning was just being on the beach, it was gorgeous!
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From Tampa

While wandering around Myakka River State Park my friend Alyssa and I stumbled across a Tampa Butterfly Orchid (Encyclia tampensis) hanging out of a live oak.

The first part of the common name refers to the fact that the species was discovered in 1847 in the Tampa area. The second part was inspired by the way the flowers flutter in the breeze.

Though this delicate beauty is one of the most prolific orchids native to Florida (and the Caribbean), it is a regulated plant in the state. A move designed to protect the species from orchid thieves. Here’s hoping the species continues to thrive!
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Citrus County Culture

Last weekend I drove up to Inverness with my friend Katie to help out at Night of Carnage, a demo derby at the Citrus County Speedway. Some of her friends are taking over the food and beverage concessions at the track and they were in need of extra hands.

It was a long night since we had to wait for a typical Florida summer storm to blow through but thankfully, we were so busy we didn’t even notice the time!

After sleeping in on Sunday, we spent the afternoon exploring nearby Fort Cooper State Park. The park protects the site of a small fort built in 1836 during the Seminole War.

We enjoyed wandering the trails while looking for wildlife and smelling the flowers. With the exception of three other people we were the only ones in the park, which surprised us given the pleasant weather.

Altogether a fun and interesting weekend!
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Jackpot!

Just yesterday morning I bemoaned the lack of moisture in my part of Florida. Believe it or not, my county and a few neighboring ones are currently in a state of drought.

As I mentioned, there have been storms building to the east of me for the past week. Even though the clouds were directly overhead yesterday afternoon I figured they’d scuttle away and leave me high and dry.

Thankfully, a decent downpour proved me wrong. Perhaps I should buy a lottery ticket…

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