ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY


 NO. 14 TROPICAL HAMMOCKS


OCCURRENCE

The Topical Hammock ecological community is confined to south Florida. It
occurs on elevated areas in the Everglades and along the limestone ridges of
the Florida Keys. Individual communities range in size from less than an acre
to several acres.

DESCRIPTION

Tropical hammocks generally appear as thick clumps of strands or small to
medium-sized trees. On the sites where disturbance has not occurred for
several years, a more "jungle-like" appearance is observed. A heavy canopy
closure, causing deep interior shade, is prevalent. This condition serves to
moderate temperatures and conserve moisture. Characteristically,trees of the
tropical hammocks have dense, heavy, strong wood and shallow spreading root
systems which adapt them to a harsh environment of wind, periodic droughts and
salt spray.

1. Soils

 Soils are shallow to rock with only a few inches of organic material
 overlying porous limestone and marl. Characteristic soils were mapped in
 an older reconnaissance type soil survey and have not been classified into
 the current soil classification system. Appendix A contains information
 on correlation of soil series with the appropriate ecological community.

2. Vegetation

 Tropical hammocks typically have a very high plant diversity. Most of the
 vegetation is probably of West Indies origin. The following species are
 characteristic:

 TREES Bahama lysiloma, Lysiloma latisiliqua; Jamaica dogwood,
 Piscidia piscipula; Mastic, Sideroxylon foetidissimum;
 Poisontree, Metopium toxiferum; Strangler fig, Ficus aurea;
 Live oak, Quercus virginiana; Cabbage palm, Sabal palmetto

 SHRUBS Marlberry, Ardisia escalloniodes; Snowberry, Chiococca alba;
 Wild coffee, Psychotria nervosa

 HERBACEOUS PLANTS Golden serpent fern, Phlebodium aureum; Resurrection
 fern, Polypodium polypodioides; Stiff-leaved wild pine,
 Tillandsia fasciculata

 GRASSES Low paniucm, Panicum spp.; Sour paspalum, Paspalum coniugatum

 Information on other plants that may occur in this community are found in
 Appendix B.