This is a new edition of Scurlock's 1987 book (ISBN 0-9619155-0-1) which sold out. Known by professionals & amateurs for authenticity, ease of use, & beauty. This is the definitive resource to the 160 recognized native trees & shrubs of the Keys, as well as South Florida, Cuba, the Bahamas, tropical Mexico, Central & South America. The 491 full-color, field-taken photographs of flower, fruit, & seed make plant identification easy regardless of season. THREATENED, ENDANGERED, & RARE specimens are labeled to encourage preservation. Clear description of plant habits & characteristics make it indispensable to horticulturalists & gardeners when choosing landscaping material that will thrive despite dry seasons, wet seasons, direct tropical sun, salt spray, insects, & months of neglect. Author-photographer Scurlock has developed & maintained his collection of native & exotic plants on Lower Sugarloaf Key since 1972, relying on natural rainfall & compost, using neither fertilizers nor pesticides. Photographs & descriptions appear together for convenient study. Pages are arranged alphabetically by botanical name, & indexed by both botanical & common names. A simple identification key is included. "A book that botanists can respect & nature lovers can understand." Available direct from Laurel Press, (412) 831-8485.

First of eight proposed volumes on the more than 3,800 vascular plants known to occur growing wild in the state.

The Pinnatae; comprising six families of woody plants with pinnately compound leaves, is represented on the Florida Keys by at least 16 species. The taxonomic treatment of these families at the ordinal level has been inconsistent. The purpose of this study is to correlate the data derived from intensive study of the xylem anatomy of these 16 species with data from the literature concerning these and other members of the families involved, so that new insight might be gained concerning the taxonomic relationships among these families. This study indicates that the members of the Pinnatae are anatomically homogeneous. All members possess simple perforation plates, vessel elements having alternate intervascular pitting, fibrous elements with small slitlike simple to vestigially bordered pits, and apotracheal and paratracheal axial parenchyma, or both. Secretory structures, such as crystalliferous idioblasts, parenchymatous cells containing 'gum'; and intercellular canals, are of wide occurrence within the Pinnatae. In addition, many species possess septate fibers and axial parenchyma arranged in aggregate patterns, with banded arrangements being most frequent. There is no anatomical basis for the separation of families into distinct orders in my view. The only separation of families within the Pinnatae suggested by a syndrome of several unique characters, in addition to those common to all members, is the formation of an Anacardiaceae-Burseraceae complex. The members of the Pinnatae belong to a taxon corresponding well with Cronquist's Sapindales. Phylogenetically, the Pinnatae constitutes an advanced taxon, based on xylem anatomy.

Florida is home to an entire library of native plants that evolved to thrive in its range of climate regions. Native Plants for Florida Gardens profiles 100 Florida native wildflowers, shrubs, vines and trees that can transform typical Florida landscapes. Striking color photography showcases species and flowering characteristics. With the expertise of the Florida Wildlife Foundation, anyone can create lovely, low-maintenance gardens that will tolerate Florida’s roughest conditions, resist disease, and support biodiversity.

"A guide to the vascular plants of Florida"--

"This handy, pocket-sized guide will help you identify trees in your home landscape, parks, and natural areas around the state."--Page [4] of cover.

"A joy to read from two of the most prominent geologists who have worked for the better part of their careers in the Florida Keys. Places important environmental focus on modern-day issues facing the island ecosystems, the health of Florida Bay, the nearshore areas, and ultimately the reef tract."--Donald F. McNeill, University of Miami "A compelling narrative that weaves fascinating historical personalities and periods with the geological characteristics of the Florida Keys into a colorful tapestry. A fun, interesting, and informative read!"--Eugene C. Rankey, University of Kansas Two world-class geologists draw on their prolific fifty-year careers in this comprehensive guide to the geology and biology of the Florida Keys and Florida Bay. Eugene Shinn and Barbara Lidz dive into the past, present, and future of an area that has long been a natural laboratory for learning about coral reef formation and the origins of limestone. They explain how underlying Pleistocene topography controls the shapes of today's coral reefs, how sea-level rise created Florida Bay, and how hurricanes mold limemud banks and strip vegetation from the Florida Keys. They discuss the recent decline of coral reefs due to overpopulation, pollution, climate change, and other factors. An itinerary is included for a hands-on three-day field trip, guiding visitors to the best places to see the famous reef formations and geologic processes of the Keys. As glaciers continue to melt and reform at Earth's poles, sea level is currently rising and will fall again at some point in the geologic future. In this volume, Shinn and Lidz demonstrate the value of the Keys and immediate surroundings as an environmental laboratory to study past effects of sea-level change and to stimulate ideas for further research.