This book is the first comprehensive guide to Florida's amazing variety
of tree species: from scrub oak on the high central ridges to mangroves
stretching along the southern coasts, from mighty live oaks to the
delicate and diminutive hawthornes, from bald cypress with their knees
poking up from the swamps to the coppery-colored gumbo limbo found in
tropical hammocks of the Everglades and Keys, from the sabal palm found
all over the state to the rare and endangered yew found only along the
banks of the Apalachicola River in northern Florida. Florida, unique
among the states, has both tropical and temperate forests. The early
Florida visitor was awed by miles of unending pine flatwoods. Most
modern Florida visitors are amazed by the lush tropical trees planted in
cities, suburbs, and public gardens. This book covers both natives and
exotics and includes suggested field sites for observing the species
described.
Divided into two sections, this book serves as both a reference and a
field guide. Both sections help the reader answer the question "What
tree is that?" by focusing on the families of Florida's trees. The line
drawings show a combination of typical leaves, fruits, and flowers, and
while accurate in detail, capture an overall impression, so helpful when
trying to identify a species in the field. The color photos, all taken
in Florida, are useful where color is important in identification.
The first edition was very popular with both professionals and laypeople
alike--it was heralded as accurate, comprehensive, and organized and
written in an easy-to-understand way. This edition will be even more
useful, as it adds about 140 more tree accounts for a total of more than
480 species. There are almost 600 color photos and many drawings and
range maps. And now included is a key to tree families that will help
with field identification.
