Maritime Forest : An Interconnected Ecosystem
Maritime Forest : An Interconnected Ecosystem
A maritime forest is a climax community found along the southeastern United States barrier islands and adjacent mainland . Covering the more stable portions of barrier islands and coastal dune ridges , these forests are dominated by Live Oaks , Palmettos , Southern Magnolias , Yaupon Hollies and Wax Myrtles . These plants play a key role in holding the shorelines of coastal areas and barrier islands together , due to a strong network of expanding roots that corral unstable sand .
Additionally , these forests provide essential habitat and refuge for many migratory birds and animals . Animal diversity positively relates with plant diversity , and understanding the complex connections between fauna and the flora they depend upon is vital to understanding natural landscapes .
These plant and animal species have evolved together over millions of years to provide collective benefits . Plants provide food , shelter , and nesting sites for animals , while animals provide seed dispersal , pollination , nutrient recycling , pruning and other functions for plants . Many plant and animal species have “ species specific ” relationships , such as butterflies and other insects that rely solely upon certain plants for food and larval hosting .
By celebrating the interconnectivity of all living things , humankind gains a deeper appreciation of the processes of birth , growth , reproduction , and death . When these cycles find balance and harmony , healthy ecosystems flourish and foster a thriving and diverse community of organisms .
CAN YOU FIND THESE PLANTS IN THE GARDEN ? A
LIVE OAK , Quercus virginiana G CORAL BELLS , Heuchera sanguinea
LEAVES LIVE OAK , Quercus virginiana Host plant to moth and butterfly larvae Cover and nesting sites for birds
ACORNS LIVE OAK , Quercus virginiana Food source for birds , deer , and small mammals
FRONDS PALMETTO , Sabal palmetto Nesting material and cover for insects , birds , and small mammals
FRUITS PALMETTO , Sabal palmetto Food source for songbirds , turkeys , woodpeckers , deer , and small mammals
EPIPHYTE SPANISH MOSS , Tillandsia usneoides Nesting material for birds and small mammals Cover for insects and spiders Resting places for bats and butterflies
FOILAGE & SEEDS INLAND SEA OATS , Chasmanthium latifolium Host plant to butterflies Food source for birds and small mammals
B C D |
PALMETTO , Sabal palmetto DWARF PALMETTO , Sabal minor SPANISH MOSS , Tillandsia usneoides |
H I J |
WOODLAND PHLOX , Phlox divaricata DWARF CRESTED IRIS , Iris cristata SOUTHERN SHIELD FERN , Dryopteris ludoviciana |
FOILAGE & FLOWERS WOODLAND PHLOX , Phlox divaricata Food for hummingbirds and bees Cover for insects , salamanders , lizards , and small mammals |
E F |
INLAND SEA OATS , Chasmanthium latifolium INDIAN PINK , Spigelia marilandica |
K L |
CINNAMON FERN , Osmundastrum cinnamomeum SENSITIVE FERN , Onoclea sensibilis
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FOILAGE SENSITIVE FERN , Onoclea sensibilis Cover and protection for frogs , salamanders , lizards , and turtles |