patrickbdevaney/mia9 · Datasets at Hugging Face

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occur in the shrub layer of pine rocklands in these areas. Some wetland taxa
such as buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), coastal plain willow (Salix
caroliniana), elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), pond-apple (Annona glabra),
and pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens) may also be present (Snyder et al.
1990). Running oak (Quercus pumila), shiny blueberry (Vaccinium myrsinites),
and staggerbush (Lyonia fruticosa) are common in pinelands of central and
northern Miami-Dade County in association with deposits of sand and loam.
Almost all pine rocklands have an understory palm component. The most
common species is saw palmetto. On the Miami Rock Ridge, silver palm
(Coccothrinax argentata) may occur, although it is rare toward the south (e.g.
Long Pine Key). In the Florida Keys, thatch palm (Thrinax morissii) and silver
palm are common, and reach heights of several meters, much higher than
palms on the Miami Rock Ridge or Big Cypress. In areas with a longer
hydroperiod and/or a layer of calcareous or loamy soil, cabbage palm (Sabal
palmetto) may become abundant (Duever et al. 1979).
Hardwood species that occur in Big Cypress National Preserve and Miami
Rock Ridge pinelands, but not in the Florida Keys pinelands, include buckthorn
(Sideroxylon reclinatum), dahoon holly (Ilex cassine), live oak, and varnish leaf
(Dodonaea angustifolia) (Snyder et al. 1990). Additional tropical species that
are found in the Florida Keys as well as Miami Rock Ridge pinelands include
locust berry (Byrsonima lucida), long-stalked stopper (Psidium longipes),
pineland croton (Croton linearis), pineland strongback (Bourreria cassinifolia),
rough velvetseed (Guettarda scabra), silver palm, and wild sage (Lantana
involucrata) (Snyder et al. 1990). Tropical taxa that only occur in the Florida
Keys pinelands include Dodonaea elaeagnoides, few-flowered holdback
(Caesalpinia pauciflora), Keys partridge-pea (Chamaecrista lineata var.
keyensis), pisonia (Pisonia rotundata), pride-of-Big Pine (Strumpfia maritima),
and small flowered lily-thorn (Catesbaea parviflora).
Shrub density and the abundance of tropical hardwoods is lower in the
Southern Biscayne pinelands than in Long Pine Key (Loope et al. 1979). The
shrub layer northward into the Northern Biscayne pinelands more closely
resembles pine flatwoods as a result of the amount of sandy soils in this area.
The herbaceous layer in pine rocklands is very diverse, with a combination
of grasses, ferns, sedges, and forbs. When the shrub layer in pine rockland
areas is sparse, the herbaceous layer is more diverse. The herbaceous layer, like
Page 3-166
PINE ROCKLANDS Multi-Species Recovery Plan for South Florida
the shrub layer, is composed of both temperate and tropical species with
perennials much more common than annuals. Temperate species are most
common in the Miami Rock Ridge and Big Cypress pinelands (Snyder et al.
1990). Typical widepread herbs and graminoids include Schizachyrium
sanguineum, S. gracile, Andropogon longiberbis, A. glomeratus var. pumilus,
candyweed (Polygala grandiflora), creeping morning-glory (Evolvulus
sericeus), pineland heliotrope (Heliotropium polyphyllum), rabbit-bells
(Crotalaria rotundifolia), and thistle (Cirsium horridulum).
Herbs found only in pine rocklands with deep sand layers, primarily
towards the northern portions of the Miami Rock Ridge include Aeschynomene
viscidula, Andropogon gyrans var. gyrans, Asclepias verticillata, big threeawn
(Aristida condensata), Cyperus filiculmis, hair sedge (Bulbostylis ciliatifolia),
Lechea sessiliflora, Lechea torreyi, Liatris chapmanii, Palafoxia integrifolia,
Polanisia tenuifolia, procession flower (Polygala incarnata), Pteroglossaspis
ecristata, Seymeria pectinata, Stylisma villosa, tiny polygala (Polygala
smallii), Tragia urens, and wiregrass (Aristida beyrichiana). The wetter sands
in the Big Cypress support Helenium pinnatifidium, Pluchea rosea, small
butterwort (Pinguicula pumila), and yellow colicroot (Aletris lutea).
Herbaceous species restricted to the pine rocklands on the Miami Rock Ridge
include Brickell-bush (Brickellia mosieri), pineland daisy, and rockland
morning-glory (Ipomoea tenuissima). Tropical herbaceous species are most
commonly found in pine rocklands in the southern portions of the Miami Rock
Ridge, Long Pine Key, and the Florida Keys, while the Big Cypress has a
stronger temperate component. The herbaceous layer in the Florida Keys is less
diverse than elsewhere with fewer species recorded (Snyder et al. 1990). Most
herbs in the pine rocklands of the Florida Keys are also found on the mainland.
Exceptions include Keys deltoid spurge (Chamaesyce deltoidea ssp.
serpyllum), and Evolvulus grisebachii.
Soils, Hydrology and Climate
Pine rockland occurs on relatively flat, moderately-to well-drained terrain.
Because limestone bedrock is at or very near the surface, soils are generally
small accumulations of sand, marl, and organic material in depressions and
crevices in the rock surface. Drainage varies according to the porosity of the
limestone substrate, but it is generally rapid. Consequently, most sites are wet
for only short periods following heavy rains. During the rainy season, however,
some sites may be shallowly inundated by very slow-flowing surface water for
up to 60 days per year (FNAI and Florida Department of Natural Resources
1990).
Each of the three regions where pine rocklands occur in Florida has unique
geological attributes. In Miami-Dade County, the community is associated with
the Miami Rock Ridge, a formation of Miami oolitic limestone which extends
for 70 miles from northeastern Miami-Dade County to the Mahogany
Hammock region of Everglades NP (DERM 1993, 1994). The surface is often
irregular with solution holes up to several meters in width and depth. Organic
materials and humus accumulate in these solution holes (Snyder et al. 1990).
The elevation of the Miami Rock Ridge varies from greater than 7 m above
sea level in the Miami area to less than 2 m above sea level in the Long Pine
Page 3-167
PINE ROCKLANDS Multi-Species Recovery Plan for South Florida
Key area of Everglades NP with an average elevation of approximately 3 m,
varying in width from 6.4 to 16 km (4 to 10 miles) (Davis 1943, USDA 1947).
Where the ridge is evident in the Mahogany Hammock area of Everglades NP,
it is covered largely by marl soil (Snyder, et al. 1990). Elevations in the
limestone formations found in the Keys are significantly lower, from 1 to 2 m
above sea level.
The depth and composition of pine rockland soils varies from almost nonexistent in the Long Pine Key area, to very little exposed rock found in the
Northern Biscayne pinelands. Where soil is present, it is a fine reddish-brown
sandy loam, slightly acidic with less than10 percent organic matter. The soils and
rooting medium found in solution holes may contain 30 to 50 percent organic
matter. Soils in the Northern Biscayne pinelands area are quartz sands classified
as Opalocka sand-rock outcrop complex. South of this area, the soils are rockier
and classified as Card Sound rock outcrop series (USDA 1996). Soils in the lower
Keys pine rocklands are classified as Key Vaca very gravely loam. These soils are

occur in the shrub layer of pine rocklands in these areas. Some wetland taxa

such as buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), coastal plain willow (Salix

caroliniana), elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), pond-apple (Annona glabra),

and pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens) may also be present (Snyder et al.

1990). Running oak (Quercus pumila), shiny blueberry (Vaccinium myrsinites),

and staggerbush (Lyonia fruticosa) are common in pinelands of central and

northern Miami-Dade County in association with deposits of sand and loam.

Almost all pine rocklands have an understory palm component. The most

common species is saw palmetto. On the Miami Rock Ridge, silver palm

(Coccothrinax argentata) may occur, although it is rare toward the south (e.g.

Long Pine Key). In the Florida Keys, thatch palm (Thrinax morissii) and silver

palm are common, and reach heights of several meters, much higher than

palms on the Miami Rock Ridge or Big Cypress. In areas with a longer

hydroperiod and/or a layer of calcareous or loamy soil, cabbage palm (Sabal

palmetto) may become abundant (Duever et al. 1979).

Hardwood species that occur in Big Cypress National Preserve and Miami

Rock Ridge pinelands, but not in the Florida Keys pinelands, include buckthorn

(Sideroxylon reclinatum), dahoon holly (Ilex cassine), live oak, and varnish leaf

(Dodonaea angustifolia) (Snyder et al. 1990). Additional tropical species that

are found in the Florida Keys as well as Miami Rock Ridge pinelands include

locust berry (Byrsonima lucida), long-stalked stopper (Psidium longipes),

pineland croton (Croton linearis), pineland strongback (Bourreria cassinifolia),

rough velvetseed (Guettarda scabra), silver palm, and wild sage (Lantana

involucrata) (Snyder et al. 1990). Tropical taxa that only occur in the Florida

Keys pinelands include Dodonaea elaeagnoides, few-flowered holdback

(Caesalpinia pauciflora), Keys partridge-pea (Chamaecrista lineata var.

keyensis), pisonia (Pisonia rotundata), pride-of-Big Pine (Strumpfia maritima),

and small flowered lily-thorn (Catesbaea parviflora).

Shrub density and the abundance of tropical hardwoods is lower in the

Southern Biscayne pinelands than in Long Pine Key (Loope et al. 1979). The

shrub layer northward into the Northern Biscayne pinelands more closely

resembles pine flatwoods as a result of the amount of sandy soils in this area.

The herbaceous layer in pine rocklands is very diverse, with a combination

of grasses, ferns, sedges, and forbs. When the shrub layer in pine rockland

areas is sparse, the herbaceous layer is more diverse. The herbaceous layer, like

Page 3-166

PINE ROCKLANDS Multi-Species Recovery Plan for South Florida

the shrub layer, is composed of both temperate and tropical species with

perennials much more common than annuals. Temperate species are most

common in the Miami Rock Ridge and Big Cypress pinelands (Snyder et al.

1990). Typical widepread herbs and graminoids include Schizachyrium

sanguineum, S. gracile, Andropogon longiberbis, A. glomeratus var. pumilus,

candyweed (Polygala grandiflora), creeping morning-glory (Evolvulus

sericeus), pineland heliotrope (Heliotropium polyphyllum), rabbit-bells

(Crotalaria rotundifolia), and thistle (Cirsium horridulum).

Herbs found only in pine rocklands with deep sand layers, primarily

towards the northern portions of the Miami Rock Ridge include Aeschynomene

viscidula, Andropogon gyrans var. gyrans, Asclepias verticillata, big threeawn

(Aristida condensata), Cyperus filiculmis, hair sedge (Bulbostylis ciliatifolia),

Lechea sessiliflora, Lechea torreyi, Liatris chapmanii, Palafoxia integrifolia,

Polanisia tenuifolia, procession flower (Polygala incarnata), Pteroglossaspis

ecristata, Seymeria pectinata, Stylisma villosa, tiny polygala (Polygala

smallii), Tragia urens, and wiregrass (Aristida beyrichiana). The wetter sands

in the Big Cypress support Helenium pinnatifidium, Pluchea rosea, small

butterwort (Pinguicula pumila), and yellow colicroot (Aletris lutea).

Herbaceous species restricted to the pine rocklands on the Miami Rock Ridge

include Brickell-bush (Brickellia mosieri), pineland daisy, and rockland

morning-glory (Ipomoea tenuissima). Tropical herbaceous species are most

commonly found in pine rocklands in the southern portions of the Miami Rock

Ridge, Long Pine Key, and the Florida Keys, while the Big Cypress has a

stronger temperate component. The herbaceous layer in the Florida Keys is less

diverse than elsewhere with fewer species recorded (Snyder et al. 1990). Most

herbs in the pine rocklands of the Florida Keys are also found on the mainland.

Exceptions include Keys deltoid spurge (Chamaesyce deltoidea ssp.

serpyllum), and Evolvulus grisebachii.

Soils, Hydrology and Climate

Pine rockland occurs on relatively flat, moderately-to well-drained terrain.

Because limestone bedrock is at or very near the surface, soils are generally

small accumulations of sand, marl, and organic material in depressions and

crevices in the rock surface. Drainage varies according to the porosity of the

limestone substrate, but it is generally rapid. Consequently, most sites are wet

for only short periods following heavy rains. During the rainy season, however,

some sites may be shallowly inundated by very slow-flowing surface water for

up to 60 days per year (FNAI and Florida Department of Natural Resources

1990).

Each of the three regions where pine rocklands occur in Florida has unique

geological attributes. In Miami-Dade County, the community is associated with

the Miami Rock Ridge, a formation of Miami oolitic limestone which extends

for 70 miles from northeastern Miami-Dade County to the Mahogany

Hammock region of Everglades NP (DERM 1993, 1994). The surface is often

irregular with solution holes up to several meters in width and depth. Organic

materials and humus accumulate in these solution holes (Snyder et al. 1990).

The elevation of the Miami Rock Ridge varies from greater than 7 m above

sea level in the Miami area to less than 2 m above sea level in the Long Pine

Page 3-167

PINE ROCKLANDS Multi-Species Recovery Plan for South Florida

Key area of Everglades NP with an average elevation of approximately 3 m,

varying in width from 6.4 to 16 km (4 to 10 miles) (Davis 1943, USDA 1947).

Where the ridge is evident in the Mahogany Hammock area of Everglades NP,

it is covered largely by marl soil (Snyder, et al. 1990). Elevations in the

limestone formations found in the Keys are significantly lower, from 1 to 2 m

above sea level.

The depth and composition of pine rockland soils varies from almost nonexistent in the Long Pine Key area, to very little exposed rock found in the

Northern Biscayne pinelands. Where soil is present, it is a fine reddish-brown

sandy loam, slightly acidic with less than10 percent organic matter. The soils and

rooting medium found in solution holes may contain 30 to 50 percent organic

matter. Soils in the Northern Biscayne pinelands area are quartz sands classified

as Opalocka sand-rock outcrop complex. South of this area, the soils are rockier

and classified as Card Sound rock outcrop series (USDA 1996). Soils in the lower

Keys pine rocklands are classified as Key Vaca very gravely loam. These soils are