rhizomes on the beach, gradualy covering dunes
embrace of the Sabal Palmetto and Strangling Fig (banyan tree)The Sabal Palm tree is Florida's state tree. It is tolerant of salt water and therefore survives floodings and storms when other trees do not. This tree was prized by native Americans for a number of uses among them that the "boots" that could be used to thatch roofs and that the tops of the trees are edible.
The Strangling Fig prefers this tree to all others. It starts out life as an epiphyte (grows in the air) in the crook of the tree or within the boots. The boots are the thatched looking coverings of the tree. Tiny sticky seeds germinate and grow quickly getting nutrients from the sun, rain and leaf litter.
The stranglers send out thin roots that snake down the tree or dangle as aereal roots till they reach the ground. Once the roots touch the ground they spread into a wide network eventually strangling the sabal.
(information taken from E Benders-Hyde 2002)
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