Endemic to Florida

 It feels very special to come upon something endemic to Florida.

This week we saw THREE things endemic to Florida.

Endemic meaning - Native to or limited to a certain region

The Florida Scrub Jay is found in 2 locations that we hike. 

We can usually see some on a back loop of old Limerock Road from the 49th Ave Trailhead of the Florida Trails.

And we always see them when we hike Halpata Tastanaki Preserve from the SR 200 trailhead. 

Photos taken at HTP

This is a good website HERE but there are others featuring the Florida Scrub Jay if you do a search.

Which bring us to the Longspurred Mint.

Dicerandra Cornutissima

A good website with info HERE.

It is only found in Marion County, FL and possibly Sumter County.

There are only 15 known occurrences remaining. 

I found them blooming on the Florida Trails 49th Ave Trailhead. Photos taken of the plants on Bluebird of Happiness Hill near the hwy 484 trailhead.

They are just starting to bloom right now.

The Garberia is in full bloom all through the forest and it is endemic to Florida as well. 

More info HERE.

How privileged I am to see these amazing things in the beautiful state of Florida.

We are still praying for everyone devastated by Hurricane Ian and I am still limiting my time on the computer to get some things done. The weather is gorgeous now so I am hiking more too.

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.   

Garberia, Fall Wildflowers

 The woods and preserves have been covered in Swamp Sunflowers for a couple of months and we are still seeing quite a few but now the Garberia is in full bloom.

"Garberia is unlike most species in the Asteraceae family in that its growth habit is woody and shrubby rather than herbaceous. Garberia is endemic to Florida’s north and central peninsula, and occurs naturally in scrub and xeric hammocks. It typically flowers in late fall but has been known to flower sparsely throughout the year. It is a state-listed threatened species." Quote taken from the website HERE.

Most of the blooms are a pretty lavender color and they look beautiful out in the woods with the pine trees.

The butterflies love Garberia!

We've hiked a lot of different trails lately and seen so many things. But one day, we headed off in a different direction in the woods, staying off the paved trail. And when we were finishing our hike and intersecting with the paved Florida Trails, I saw the blower coming. 

(this is a photo from the past)

Volunteers drive this ATV on the paved trails, blowing the leaves and pine needles off. And over the years I have talked to the couple that does this job. They always stop to let you pass, so that they don't blow leaves all over you and it's been a chance to chat. We would swap sightings and stories and they even gave me maps of the trails. So when I saw them coming I waited. But it was two women. And when they stopped the lady I knew told me her husband had passed away. That was very sad and I felt so blessed to have a chance to talk to her. She was planning to move away so I probably won't see her again. And she told me they had a bench dedicated to her husband near the 49th Ave trailhead.

It took us 2 hikes to find it but we did! We won't ever forget Kenny and his sweet wife. They have made such a difference in our lives.

 Always clearing the path for everyone with a wave and a smile! 

(a photo from the past)

Enjoy your week!

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!