The tall tree here, and the young one next to it, are one of the most common native palms you will see in Florida. The Sabal Palm (Sabal palmetto), with fan-shaped leaves, is the Florida State Tree. Sabal Palms are a hardy species and are found in just about every habitat from swamps to dry scrub. They are adapted to survive in fresh or salt water, sun or shade, fire and hurricanes. Palms are called trees because many grow an upright trunk, however they are more closely related to grasses than to Oaks and Maples. Sabal Palms are particularly slow growers and the small one here might be 10-30 years old and just beginning grow an upright trunk.
The Sabal Palm provides structure in the habitat for many species of epiphytes (plants that live on other plants) and vines including Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). Look for the vine with leaves in groups of three. Also look around at the base of the trunk, as Poison Ivy has a number of growth forms ranging from short ground cover plants to shrubs to large vines.
Poison Ivy is infamous for giving humans a very itchy rash when skin comes in contact with an oily chemical, Urushiol, which is contained in every part of the plant. Poison Ivy may use Urushiol to fight bacterial and fungal infections since it does not seem to be for general defense. Insects, birds and most animals, other than humans, are not sensitive to it and feed on the flowers, leaves and berries. You can minimize your contact with Poison Ivy by staying on the trail, but be aware that it often hangs overhead and sticks out from bushes and trees.
If you look around the back side of this tree you will find another common native vine, Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) that is often mistaken for Poison Ivy. It is distinguished by having 5 leaflets in a group instead of three. Although usually considered harmless, Virginia Creeper does have an unknown irritant in the sap that can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, and Oxalate crystals found in the leaves and fruit are known to cause distress when ingested.
Like Poison Ivy, Virginia Creeper leaves and the blue berries provide food for birds and other wildlife. Both of these plants will display bright red foliage in the Fall.
