Celebrate Gopher Tortoise Day with Friends of Split Oak – April 10th
Festivities are on April 10th, 2019 from 1-5pm at Split Oak’s Main Entrance, 12175 Clapp Simms Duda Road, Orlando, FL
NARCOOSSEE- Learn about gopher tortoises and their habitat with hands-on activities: science, arts, native plants, nature walks on the Florida National Scenic Trail at Split Oak Forest. Meet Sheldon, an ambassador gopher tortoise! Events will be taking place all afternoon from 1-5. This event is free and open to the public.
Gopher tortoises were relocated to Split Oak Forest when their homes were destroyed elsewhere in Central Florida to make way for development. Money from the now-defunct gopher tortoise entombment program was also used to purchase Split Oak Forest originally. Split Oak Forest is the perfect place to celebrate these amazing, long-lived herbivores.”
Valerie Anderson, President, Friends of Split Oak Forest
Gopher Tortoise Day increases awareness of this fascinating creature and the need to protect its habitat. Gopher tortoises are listed Threatened by the State of Florida and are experiencing rapid habitat loss. Gopher tortoises are a keystone species of North America’s longleaf pine forest, providing refuge for over 350 other species in their burrow, including native bees. Gopher Tortoise Day, April 10th, was designated by the Gopher Tortoise Council as an annual celebration of gopher tortoises.
The two major threats to gopher tortoises are habitat loss due to development and road mortality, for example, getting hit by cars. Gopher tortoises require open, dry, sandy upland habitats with abundant low-growing vegetation such as pine flatwoods, scrub, and coastal dunes. Split Oak contains all of those habitats except coastal dunes. Gopher tortoise habitat requires regular and careful management . Gopher tortoises have coexisted with native plants and animals of Florida for centuries.
Participating organizations include:
- Pine Lily Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society
- The Florida Trail Association
- UF/IFAS Extension Osceola County
- Osceola Mom
- Swamp Girl Adventures
- Bear Warriors United
Press Release [odt] [pdf] | Official Event Page
About Friends of Split Oak Forest: Friends of Split Oak was founded in 2018 in response to plans by the Osceola Expressway Authority to build the Osceola Parkway Extension right through Split Oak to serve Tavistock’s Sunbridge development. Friends of Split Oak Forest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the health and integrity of Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area, which is a 1700-acre conservation area managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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New Species Finds – January and February 2019
Thanks to all of the intrepid citizen scientists tireless documenting (and uploading) their observations, seven new species have been documented for Split Oak in the past two months: three plants, one moth, one mammal, a cicada, and a dragonfly! To see all of the species found in Split Oak by citizen scientists to date, check out the Project.
New Species
American Black Nightshade (Solanum americanum) by Stacy Klema Jan 15, 2019
Orange Virbia Moth (Virbia aurantiaca) by Rob Sena on Jan 13, 2019
Hispid Cotton Rat (Sigmodon hispidus) by species_spotlight on Dec 16, 2019 (uploaded Jan 24)
Dwarf Bayberry (Morella pumila) by Valerie Anderson on February 24, 2019
Northern Bluethread (Burmannia biflora) by jessical2 on February 3, 2019
Little Green Cicada (Cicadetta floridensis) by William Hull on May 19, 2016 (uploaded Jan 21)
Banded Pennant (Clithemis fasciata) by William Hull on May 19, 2016 (uploaded Jan 21)
Species Wanted
Agalinis fasciculata Beach False Foxglove (not on FWC list)
Amphicarpaea bracteata American Hogpeanut (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Apios americana Groundnut (not on FWC list, likely)
Asclepias curtisii Curtis's Milkweed (not on FWC list)
Asemeia grandiflora Showy Milkwort*
Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum Blue Maidencane
Aristida palustris Longleaf Threeawn
Asimina angustifolia Slimleaf Pawpaw
Bacopa caroliniana Carolina Water-Hyssop
Boehmeria cylindrica False Nettle (not on FWC list, likely)
Calopogon tuberosus tuberosus Tuberous Grass Pink
Campanula floridana Florida Bellflower (not on FWC list)
Carphephorus carnosus Pineland Chaffhead (endemic, not on FWC list, likely)
Carphephorus odoratissimus var. subtropicanus Pineland Purple (endemic, not on FWC list, likely)
Centella asiatica Gotu Kola (invasive)
Chamaecrista nictatans Sensitive Pea (not on FWC list, likely)
Chapmannia floridana Florida Alicia (not on FWC list, likely, endemic)
Clitoria mariana Atlantic Pidgeonwings (not on FWC list, likely)
Conoclinium coelestinum Blue Mistflower
Ctenium aromaticum Toothache Grass (not on FWC list, likely)
Crocathemum carolinianum Carolina Frostweed (not on FWC list)
Crocanthemum corymbosum Pinebarren Frostweed (not on FWC list)
Desmodium floridanum Florida Ticktrefoil (not on FWC list, likely)
Desmodium incanum Creeping Beggarweed (non-native, not on FWC list, likely)
Desmodium paniculatum Panicled Ticktrefoil (not on FWC list, likely)
Desmodium tenuifolium Slimleaf Ticktrefoil (not on FWC list)
Desmodium tortuosum Florida Ticktrefoil (not on FWC list, it's nativeness is debated)
Desmodium triflorum Threeflower Ticktrefoil (not on FWC list, non-native, likely)
Desmodium viridflorum Velvetleaf Ticktrefoil (not on FWC list)
Dyschoriste angusta Pineland Twinflower (not on FWC list)
Dyschoriste humistrata Swamp Twinflower (not on FWC list)
Dyschoriste oblongifolia Oblongleaf Twinflower (not on FWC list)
Epidendrum magnoliae Green Fly Orchid
Eryngium aquaticum Swamp Rattlesnake Master (not on FWC list)
Eupatorium album White Thoroughwort (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Eupatorium compositifolium Yankeeweed (not on FWC list, likely)
Eupatorium leptophyllum False Fennel
Eupatorium serotinum Late Boneset (not on FWC list, very likely)
Funastrum clausum White Twinevine (not on FWC list, likely)
Harrisella porrecta, Needleroot Airplant Orchid (not on FWC list, likely)
Hydrolea corymbosa Skyflower*
Hymenocallis palmeri Alligator Lily*
Hypolepis repens Creeping Bramble Fern
Ilex ambigua Carolina Holly
Ilex cassine Dahoon Holly
Ilex coriacea Large Gallberry
Indigofera caroliniana Carolina Indigo (not on FWC list, likely)
Indigofera hirsuta Hairy Indigo (not on FWC list, invasive, likely)
Indigofera spicata Creeping Indigo (not on fWC list, invasive, likely)
Juncus effusus solutus Eastern Soft Rush
Justicia angusta Pineland Waterwillow
Lachnocaulon beyrichianum Southern Bogbutton
Lechea torreyi Piedmont Pinweed
Lindernia grandiflora Savannah False Pimpernel (not on FWC list, likely)
Lobelia feayana Bay Lobelia (not on FWC list)
Lobelia homophylla Pineland Lobelia (not on FWC list)
Lobelia puberula Downy Lobelia (not on FWC list)
Ludwigia repens Creeping Evening Primrose
Lycopodiella caroliniana Slender Club-Moss
Lycopus rubellus Water Horehound
Lyonia lygustrima foliosiflora Maleberry
Malaxis spicata Florida Adder's-Mouth (not on FWC list, likely)
Matelea floridana Florida Milkvine (not on FWC list)
Mitreola sessilifolia Swamp Hornpod (not on FWC list)
Oldenlandia uniflora Clustered Mille Graines
Oplismenus hirtellus Woodsgrass
Opuntia stricta Shell Mound Pricklypear
Osmunda regalis spectabilis American Royal Fern
Oxypolis filiformis Water Cowbane
Palafoxia integrifolia Coastalplain Palafox
Panicum verrucosum Warty Panicgrass
Passiflora lutea Yellow Passionflower (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Passiflora suberosa Corkstem Passionflower (not on FWC list, likely)
Peltandra virginica Green Arrow Arum
Penstemon multiflorus White or Manyflowered Beardtongue
Pinguicula caerulea Blue Butterwort (not on FWC list, likely, Threatened)
Pinguicula lutea Yellow Butterwort (not on FWC list, likely, Threatened)
Platanthera ciliaris Orange-fringed Orchid (not on FWC list, likely, Threatened)
Pluchea foetida Stinking Camphorweed*
Physostegia leptophylla Slenderleaf False Dragonhead (not on FWC list)
Pithecellobium unguis-cati Catclaw Blackbead (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Polygonella robusta Sandhill Wireweed (endemic)
Polygonella basiramia Hairy Jointweed* (endemic)
Polygonella gracilis Tall Jointweed
Quercus chapmanii Chapman’s Oak
Quercus geminata Sand Live Oak
Quercus minima Dwarf Live Oak
Rhexia alifanus Savannah Meadowbeauty (not on FWC list)
Rhexia cubensis West Indian Meadowbeauty (not on FWC list)
Rhexia lutea Yellow Meadowbeauty (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Rhexia virginica Handsome Harry(not on FWC list, unlikely)
Rhynchospora fascicularis Fascicled Beaksedge
Rhynchospora inundata Narrowfruit Horned Beaksedge
Ruellia caroliniensis Carolina Wild Petunia (not on FWC list)
Rubus argutus Sawtooth Blackberry
Sagittaria lancifolia Lanceleaf Arrowhead
Schwalbea americana American Chaffseed (not on FWC list)
Scoparia dulcis Licorice Weed*
Setaria magna Giant Bristlegrass
Sida acuta Spinyhead Sida (not on FWC list, very likely)
Sisyrinchium nashii Nash's Blue-Eyed Grass (not on FWC list, likely)
Sisyrinchium rosulatum Annual Blue-Eyed Grass (not on FWC list, likely)
Sisyrinchium xerophyllum Jeweled Blue-Eyed Grass (not on FWC list, likely)
Smilax glauca Cat Greenbriar (not on FWC list)
Smilax rotundifolia Roundleaf Greenbriar (not on FWC List, unlikely)
Smilax pumila Sarsparilla vine
Smilax smallii Jackson vine (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Smilax tamnoides Bristly Greenbriar (not on FWC list)
Smilax walteri Coral Greenbriar (not on FWC list)
Spigelia loganoides Florida Pinkroot (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Blue porterweed (not on FWC list, likely)
Stylodon carneus Carolina Vervain (not on FWC list, likely)
Syngonanthus flavidulus Yellow Hatpins
Symphyotrichum adnatum Scaleleaf Aster (not on FWC list, likely)
Tiedemannia filiformis Water Cowbane*
Tillandsia balbisiana Spreading Airplant
Tillandsia bartramii Bartram’s Airplant
Tillandsia fasciculata Cardinal Airplant
Triadenum virginicum Virginia Marsh St. John’s Wort
Typha latifolia Common Cattail
Verbena scabra Sandpaper Vervain (not on FWC list, likely)
Vittaria lineata Shoestring Fern
Xyris fimbriata Fringed Yellow-eyed Grass
Xyris platylepis Tall Yellow-Eyed Grass*
Zanthoxylum fagara Wild Lime (not on FWC list, possible)
Matelea floridana Florida Milkvine (not on FWC list)
Mitreola sessilifolia Swamp Hornpod (not on FWC list)
Oldenlandia uniflora Clustered Mille Graines
Oplismenus hirtellus Woodsgrass
Opuntia stricta Shell Mound Pricklypear
Osmunda regalis spectabilis American Royal Fern
Oxypolis filiformis Water Cowbane
Palafoxia integrifolia Coastalplain Palafox
Panicum verrucosum Warty Panicgrass
Passiflora lutea Yellow Passionflower (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Passiflora suberosa Corkstem Passionflower (not on FWC list, likely)
Peltandra virginica Green Arrow Arum
Penstemon multiflorus White or Manyflowered Beardtongue
Pinguicula caerulea Blue Butterwort (not on FWC list, likely, Threatened)
Pinguicula lutea Yellow Butterwort (not on FWC list, likely, Threatened)
Pluchea foetida Stinking Camphorweed*
Physostegia leptophylla Slenderleaf False Dragonhead (not on FWC list)
Pithecellobium unguis-cati Catclaw Blackbead (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Polygonella robusta Sandhill Wireweed (endemic)
Polygonella basiramia Hairy Jointweed* (endemic)
Polygonella gracilis Tall Jointweed
Quercus chapmanii Chapman’s Oak
Quercus geminata Sand Live Oak
Quercus minima Dwarf Live Oak
Rhexia alifanus Savannah Meadowbeauty (not on FWC list)
Rhexia cubensis West Indian Meadowbeauty (not on FWC list)
Rhexia lutea Yellow Meadowbeauty (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Rhexia virginica Handsome Harry(not on FWC list, unlikely)
Rhynchospora fascicularis Fascicled Beaksedge
Rhynchospora inundata Narrowfruit Horned Beaksedge
Ruellia caroliniensis Carolina Wild Petunia (not on FWC list)
Rubus argutus Sawtooth Blackberry
Sagittaria lancifolia Lanceleaf Arrowhead
Schwalbea americana American Chaffseed (not on FWC list)
Scoparia dulcis Licorice Weed*
Setaria magna Giant Bristlegrass
Sida acuta Spinyhead Sida (not on FWC list, very likely)
Sisyrinchium nashii Nash's Blue-Eyed Grass (not on FWC list, likely)
Sisyrinchium rosulatum Annual Blue-Eyed Grass (not on FWC list, likely)
Sisyrinchium xerophyllum Jeweled Blue-Eyed Grass (not on FWC list, likely)
Smilax glauca Cat Greenbriar (not on FWC list)
Smilax rotundifolia Roundleaf Greenbriar (not on FWC List, unlikely)
Smilax pumila Sarsparilla vine
Smilax smallii Jackson vine (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Smilax tamnoides Bristly Greenbriar (not on FWC list)
Smilax walteri Coral Greenbriar (not on FWC list)
Spigelia loganoides Florida Pinkroot (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Blue porterweed (not on FWC list, likely)
Stylodon carneus Carolina Vervain (not on FWC list, likely)
Syngonanthus flavidulus Yellow Hatpins
Symphyotrichum adnatum Scaleleaf Aster (not on FWC list, likely)
Tiedemannia filiformis Water Cowbane*
Tillandsia balbisiana Spreading Airplant
Tillandsia bartramii Bartram’s Airplant
Tillandsia fasciculata Cardinal Airplant
Triadenum virginicum Virginia Marsh St. John’s Wort
Typha latifolia Common Cattail
Verbena scabra Sandpaper Vervain (not on FWC list, likely)
Vittaria lineata Shoestring Fern
Xyris fimbriata Fringed Yellow-eyed Grass
Xyris platylepis Tall Yellow-Eyed Grass*
Zanthoxylum fagara Wild Lime (not on FWC list, possible)
New species found during the Fall Bioblitz 2018
For 48 hours, from 7pm October 26 through 7pm October 28 we had 26 participants who found 243 species of plants, animals, and fungi in a total of 627 separate observations. Our participants found 60 species completely new to Split Oak Forest and 10 additional species that had been seen by FWC but were not on iNaturalist (please see the Management Plan for their species list). This includes four threatened species: two butterflies, one grass, and one bird species.
Of course, species might continue to trickle in, we have a number of species within the project that have still not been identified to species level. Want to help? Jump in here.
This is less than the 88 new species we found during the Spring BioBlitz, but still good for a park that has been open to the public for 24 years and has already had multiple biological surveys.
Laura Goodding and Species_Spotlight led the pack in discovering new-to-Split Oak species, together finding 27% of our new species.
Species_Spotlight, with his focus on the lakes, found seven new fish species, only two of which were previously known to FWC.
Right behind him is Diane Willis, Ph.D., a grass expert. She found seven new species, including a State-Threatened grass, Florida Jointtail Grass.
Danny Goodding got a spectacular photo of a flying squirrel! He also found five new insect species.
See the species list and breakdown below, for a full species list visit our project's species page:
Laura Goodding
Deathcap (Amanita phalloides)
Small Mocis Moth (Mocis latipes)
Brown Birch Bolete (Leccinum scabrum)
Dog Vomit Slime Mold (Fuligo septica)
Blood Red Russula (Russula rosaceae)
White Arrow Arum (Peltandra sagittifolia)
Broad-tipped Conehead (Neoconocephalus triops)
Live-oak Root Borer (Archodontes melanopus)
Species_Spotlight
Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambus clarkii)
Everglades Pygmy Sunfish (Elassoma evergladei)
Golden Topminnow (Fundulus chrysotus)
Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) already known by FWC
Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus)
Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) already known by FWC
Blue-spotted Sunfish (Enneacanthus gloriosus)
Least Killifish (Hederandria formosa)
Diane Willis
Hairy Bluestem (Andropogon longiberbis)
Torpedo Grass (Panicum repens) FLEPPC Category I Invasive already known by FWC
Warty Panicgrass (Panicum verrucosum) already known by FWC
Hilograss (Panicum conjugatum)
Shortbeak Beaksedge (Rhynchospora nitens)
Florida Jointtail Grass (Coelorachis tuberculosa) State-Threatened
Danny Goodding
Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)
Starbellied Orbweaver (Acanthepeira stellata)
Eastern Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes)
Florida Tortoise Beetle (Hemisphaerota cyanea)
Polopinus youngi a Florida-endemic Darkling Beetle
Short-winged Bush Cricket (Hapithus brevipennis)
Stacy Klema
Lunate Zale Moth (Zale lunata)
Veiled Polypore (Cryptoporus volvatus)
Diaperis maculata a Darkling Beetle
Moderately Sulcate Warrior Beetle (Pasimachus subsulcatus)
Brochymena arborea a rough stink bug
Sosippus floridanus a wolf spider
Valerie Anderson (me!)
Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) (already known by FWC)
Shoestring Fern (Vittaria lineata) (already known by FWC)
Slender Blazing Star (Liatris gracilis)
Byssus Skipper (Problema byssus) State-Threatened
Palmetto Skipper (Euphyes arpa) State-Threatened
Trametes cubensis a poroid bracket mushroo
Brian Silverman
Margined Leatherwing (Chauliognathus marginatus)
Lined Topminnow (Fundulus lineolatus)
Taillight Shiner (Notropis maculatus)
Apache Jumping Spider (Phidippus apacheanus)
Leafy Oak Gall Wasp (Andricus quercusfoliatus)
nonrandom
Water Cowbane (Oxypolis filiformis) (already known by FWC)
Nodding Clubmoss (Lycopodiella cernua)
Carolina Mantleslug (Philomicus carolinianus)
Theatops posicus a bark centipede
Humped Bladderwort (Utricularia gibba)
Mary Keim
Sarsaparilla Vine (Smilax pumila) (already known by FWC)
Laurel Dodder (Cassythia filiformis)
Odontocorynus larvatus (a flower weevil)
Licorice Weed (Scoparia dulcis) (already known by FWC)
Randy Snyder
Timulla vagans a species of velvet ant
Rabidoza hentzi (a species of wolf spider)
Violet Bromeliad Fly (Copestylum barei)
Michael Gaithe
End Band Net-winged Beetle (Calopteron terminale)
Honey Mushroom (Armillaria mellea)
Nathalie van Turnhout
Florida Scrub Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) State-Threatened (already known by FWC)
Tall Yelloweyed Grass (Xyris platylepis)
October Flower is a bit early, hm?
During my August 13th hike with the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) employees and their consultants we walked around Lake Two, where I noticed a small scrubby-looking plant with white flowers. Peering down at the plant revealed a mass of delicate flowers.
October Flower (Polygonella polygama), also known as Jointweed or Showy Jointweed, is a locally abundant plant that likes it dry. It's a native member of the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae), which means it smells lovely. It can be found throughout the southeast.
Ten days after my hike, recent visitors to the park have reported that it is flowering en masse along the sides of the trail and makes a striking impression.
My observation is the first iNaturalist record for October Flower in Split Oak, though it was previously documented by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
See also
Huegel, Craig. 2010-08-27. October Flower - Polygonella polygama. Blog: Florida Native Wildflowers
MH Sub I, LLC. 2018. October Flower, Showy Jointweed. Webpage: Dave's Garden
Cook, Will. 2015-07-11. Common October-flower. Webpage: Carolina Nature
Florida Native Plant Society. 2018. Polygonella polygama. Webpage: Florida Native Plant Society
New Species Finds – mid-August to mid-September 2018
Current Species County in iNaturalist: 574
iNaturalist Species Count August 15: 555
Twenty four new species to report!
New Endangered Plants
Eulophia ecristata Giant Orchid by Bryan Ames (found previously by FWC but first find in iNaturalist!)
Pinguicula lutea Yellow Butterwort by Danny Goodding (found March 17, 2018 but I must have missed it!)
New Herps
Hyla femoralis Pine Woods Tree Frog by Valerie Anderson (found July 8 but not positively identified until August 29, was on FWC list)
Hyla squirella Squirrel Tree Frog by Stacy Klema (was on FWC list but hadn't been found yet!)
Pseudacris ocularis Little Grass Frog (found during the BioBlitz by Danny Goodding)
New Wildflowers
Crotalaria pumila Low Rattlebox by Valerie Anderson (found on March 13, 2018 but I must have missed it!)
Elephantopus elatus Tall Elephant's Foot by Bryan Ames
Lobelia paduosa White Lobelia by Bryan Ames (not on FWC list and first iNaturalist record for Osceola County!!)
Liatris tenuifolia Shortleaf Blazing Star by Stacy Klema (not on FWC list)
Mimosa quadrivavis Fourvalve Mimosa by Valerie Anderson (not on FWC list)
Physostegia purpurea Eastern False Dragonhead by Dave Wegman
Polygonella polygama October Flower by Valerie Anderson
Sabatia difformis Lanceleaf Rose Gentian by Mary Keim (found July 14th but I must have missed it!)
Solidago odora var. chapmanii Chapmna's Goldenrod by Stacy Klema
Toxicodendron radicans Eastern Poison Ivy by Valerie Anderson (not that you want to find this!)
Vigna luteola Hairypod Cowpea by Stacy Klema (not on FWC list)
New Trees
Quercus nigra Water Oak by Valerie Anderson
New Butterflies and Moths
Datana ministra Yellow-Necked Catepillar Moth by Valerie Anderson (not on FWC list)
Papilio polyxenes Black Swallowtail by Laura Bennet-Kimble (found on May 5th but I didn't notice. Sorry Laura!)
New Insects
Megatibicen resonans Resonant Cicada by Stacy Klema
Polistes fuscatus Dark Paper Wasp by Stacy Klema
Trichodes ornatus Ornate Checkered Beetle by Stacy Klema
Trigonopeltastes delta Delta Flower Scarab by travis-
New Fungi
Tylopilus felleus Bitter Bolete by Stacy Klema
Most Wanted Plants (on FWC list or seen nearby)
Agalinis fasciculata Beach False Foxglove (not on FWC list)
Agalinis filifolia Seminole False Foxglove
Amphicarpaea bracteata American Hogpeanut (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Apios americana Groundnut (not on FWC list, likely)
Asclepias curtisii Curtis's Milkweed (not on FWC list)
Asemeia grandiflora Showy Milkwort*
Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum Blue Maidencane
Aristida palustris Longleaf Threeawn
Asimina angustifolia Slimleaf Pawpaw
Bacopa caroliniana Carolina Water-Hyssop
Boehmeria cylindrica False Nettle (not on FWC list, likely)
Calopogon tuberosus tuberosus Tuberous Grass Pink
Carphephorus carnosus Pineland Chaffhead (endemic, not on FWC list, likely)
Carphephorus odoratissimus var. subtropicanus Pineland Purple (endemic, not on FWC list, likely)
Centella asiatica Gotu Kola (invasive)
Chamaecrista nictatans Sensitive Pea (not on FWC list, likely)
Chapmannia floridana Florida Alicia (not on FWC list, likely, endemic)
Clitoria mariana Atlantic Pidgeonwings (not on FWC list, likely)
Conoclinium coelestinum Blue Mistflower
Desmodium floridanum Florida Ticktrefoil (not on FWC list, likely)
Desmodium incanum Creeping Beggarweed (non-native, not on FWC list, likely)
Desmodium paniculatum Panicled Ticktrefoil (not on FWC list, likely)
Desmodium tenuifolium Slimleaf Ticktrefoil (not on FWC list)
Desmodium tortuosum Florida Ticktrefoil (not on FWC list, it's nativeness is debated)
Desmodium triflorum Threeflower Ticktrefoil (not on FWC list, non-native, likely)
Desmodium viridflorum Velvetleaf Ticktrefoil (not on FWC list
Diodia virginiana Virginia Buttonweed*
Epidendrum magnoliae Green Fly Orchid
Eupatorium album White Thoroughwort (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Eupatorium compositifolium Yankeeweed (not on FWC list, likely)
Eupatorium leptophyllum False Fennel
Eupatorium serotinum Late Boneset (not on FWC list, very likely)
Funastrum clausum White Twinevine (not on FWC list, likely)
Helianthemum carolinianum Carolina Frostweed (not on FWC list)
Helianthemum corymbosum Pinebarren Frostweed (not on FWC list)
Helianthemum nashii Florida Scrub Frostweed (not on FWC list)
Hydrolea corymbosa Skyflower*
Hymenocallis palmeri Alligator Lily*
Hypolepis repens Creeping Bramble Fern
Ilex ambigua Carolina Holly
Ilex cassine Dahoon Holly
Ilex coriacea Large Gallberry
Indigofera caroliniana Carolina Indigo (not on FWC list, likely)
Indigofera hirsuta Hairy Indigo (not on FWC list, invasive, likely)
Indigofera spicata Creeping Indigo (not on fWC list, invasive, likely)
Juncus effusus solutus Eastern Soft Rush
Lachnocaulon beyrichianum Southern Bogbutton
Lechea torreyi Piedmont Pinweed
Ludwigia repens Creeping Evening Primrose
Lycopodiella caroliniana Slender Club-Moss
Lycopus rubellus Water Horehound
Lyonia lygustrima foliosiflora Maleberry
Oldenlandia uniflora Clustered Mille Graines
Oplismenus hirtellus Woodsgrass
Opuntia stricta Shell Mound Pricklypear
Osmunda regalis spectabilis American Royal Fern
Oxypolis filiformis Water Cowbane
Palafoxia integrifolia Coastalplain Palafox
Panicum verrucosum Warty Panicgrass
Passiflora lutea Yellow Passionflower (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Passiflora suberosa Corkstem Passionflower (not on FWC list, likely)
Peltandra virginica Green Arrow Arum
Penstemon multiflorus White or Manyflowered Beardtongue
Pluchea foetida Stinking Camphorweed*
Physostegia leptophylla Slenderleaf False Dragonhead (not on FWC list)
Pithecellobium unguis-cati Catclaw Blackbead (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Polygonella robusta Sandhill Wireweed (endemic)
Polygonella basiramia Hairy Jointweed* (endemic)
Polygonella gracilis Tall Jointweed
Quercus chapmanii Chapman’s Oak
Quercus geminata Sand Live Oak
Quercus minima Dwarf Live Oak
Rhexia alifanus Savannah Meadowbeauty (not on FWC list)
Rhexia cubensis West Indian Meadowbeauty (not on FWC list)
Rhexia lutea Yellow Meadowbeauty (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Rhexia virginica Handsome Harry(not on FWC list, unlikely)
Rhynchospora fascicularis Fascicled Beaksedge
Rhynchospora inundata Narrowfruit Horned Beaksedge
Rubus argutus Sawtooth Blackberry
Sagittaria lancifolia Lanceleaf Arrowhead
Scoparia dulcis Licorice Weed*
Setaria magna Giant Bristlegrass
Sida acuta Spinyhead Sida (not on FWC list, very likely)
Smilax glauca Cat Greenbriar (not on FWC list)
Smilax rotundifolia Roundleaf Greenbriar (not on FWC List, unlikely)
Smilax pumila Sarsparilla vine
Smilax smallii Jackson vine (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Smilax tamnoides Bristly Greenbriar (not on FWC list)
Smilax walteri Coral Greenbriar (not on FWC list)
Spigelia loganoides Florida Pinkroot (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Syngonanthus flavidulus Yellow Hatpins
Tiedemannia filiformis Water Cowbane*
Tillandsia balbisiana Spreading Airplant
Tillandsia bartramii Bartram’s Airplant
Tillandsia fasciculata Cardinal Airplant
Triadenum virginicum Virginia Marsh St. John’s Wort
Typha latifolia Common Cattail
Vittaria lineata Shoestring Fern
Xyris fimbriata Fringed Yellow-eyed Grass
Xyris platylepis Tall Yellow-Eyed Grass*
Zanthoxylum fagara Wild Lime (not on FWC list, possible)
Missing Invasive Plant Species
Most Wanted Butterflies and Moths
Abaeis nicippe Sleepy Orange
Ancycloxypha numitor Least Skipper
Asbolis capucinus Monk Skipper (not on FWC list, highly likely)
Asterocampa celtis Hackberry Emperor (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Battus philenor Pipevine Swallowtail (not on FWC list)
Copaeodes minima Southern Skipperling
Danaus eresimus Soldier (not on FWC list, likely)
Dryas iulia Julia (not on FWC list, likely)
Endodeca serpentaria Virginia Snakeroot (not on FWC list, possible)
Epargyreus clarus Silver-spotted Skipper (not on FWC, likely)
Eumaeus atala Atala Hairstreak (not on FWC list, threatened, unlikely)
Euptoieta claudia Variegated Fritillary
Junonia coenia Common Buckeye
Junonia evarete Tropical Buckeye (not on FWC list)
Junonia genoveva Magrove Buckeye (not on FWC list, unlikely)
Lerodea eufala Eufala Skipper
Limenitis archippus Viceroy
Neonympha areolatus Georgia satyr (threatened)
Oligoria maculata Twin-spot Skipper
Papilio cresophontes Giant Swallowtail (not on FWC list,
Poanes aaroni Aaron's Skipper
Phoebis agarithe Large Orange Sulfur (not on FWC list, possible)
Phoebis philea Orange-barred sulfur (not on FWC list
Phoebis sennae Cloudless Sulfur
Pyrgus albescens White-Checkered Skipper
Thorybes bathyllus Southern Cloudywing
Thorybes confusis Confused Cloudywing
Urbanus dorantes Dorantes Longtail
Vanessa atalanta Red Admiral (not on FWC list)
Vanessa virginiensis American Painted Lady (not on FWC list)
Missing Animal Species
Acris gryllus dorsalis Florida Cricket Frog
Kinosternon baurii Striped Mud Turtle
Pantherophis alleghaniensis Eastern Rat Snake
Plestiodon inexpectatus Southeastern Five-Lined Skink
Pseudacris nigrita Southern Chorus Frog
Thamnophis saurita sackenii Peninsula Ribbon Snake
*If found in the Osceola County part of Split Oak, would be a first iNaturalist record for Osceola.
I wanted to check our progress for plants, and USF Plant Atlas lists a possible 1,501 species of plants in Orange and Osceola Counties. 1,192 of those are native. We've got a ways to go, guys!
So we have 102 "most wanted" plants and 251 already documented native plants = 353 plants that we (Friends of Split Oak Forest) know we need to find. That leaves 839 plants we don't have on the above list!
New Species Finds Update – mid-July to mid-August 2018
Current Species County in iNaturalist: 555
iNaturalist Species Count July 14: 548
New Endangered Plant Species
Tillandsia fasciculata Cardinal Airplant, seen by Bryan Ames May 3rd, brought to my attention June 16
Tillandsia urtriculata Spreading Airplant, seen by Danny Goodding May 6th, brought to my attention July 17
New Common Plant Species
Buchnera floridana Florida Bluehearts, seen by Sandy Bauer July 14th
Sabatia campanulata Slender Rose Gentian, seen by Sandy Bauer July 14th
New Common Animal Species
Anatrytone logan Delaware Skipper seen by Randy Snyder July 14th
Colias eurytheme Orange Sulfur seen by Randy Snyder July 14th
Hylephila phyleus Fiery Skipper seen by Randy Snyder July 14th
Phycoides tharos Pearl Crescent seen by Bryan Ames June 11th
Polites themistocles Tawny-Edged Skipper seen by Mary Keim July 14th
Trichodes apivorus seen by Randy Snyder July 14th
Animal Species on FWC List not Previously on iNaturalist
Acris gryllus Southern Cricket Frog seen by Bryan Ames May 3, identified June 16
Plant Species on FWC List not Previously on iNaturalist
Typha latifolia Common Cattail, seen by Bryan Ames May 18th, identified June 16
Most Wanted (on FWC list or seen nearby)
Agalinis filifolia Seminole False Foxglove
Asemeia grandiflora Showy Milkwort*
Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum Blue Maidencane
Aristida palustris Longleaf Threeawn
Asimina angustifolia Slimleaf Pawpaw
Baccharis halimifolia Groundsel Tree
Bacopa caroliniana Carolina Water-Hyssop
Calopogon tuberosus tuberosus Tuberous Grass Pink
Centella asiatica Gotu Kola (invasive)
Conoclinium coelestinum Blue Mistflower
Diodia virginiana Virginia Buttonweed*
Epidendrum magnoliae Green Fly Orchid
Eulophia ecristata Giant Orchid
Eupatorium leptophyllum False Fennel
Hydrolea corymbosa Skyflower*
Hymenocallis palmeri Alligator Lily*
Hypolepis repens Creeping Bramble Fern
Ilex ambigua Carolina Holly
Ilex cassine Dahoon Holly
Ilex coriacea Large Gallberry
Juncus effusus solutus Eastern Soft Rush
Lachnocaulon beyrichianum Southern Bogbutton
Lechea torreyi Piedmont Pinweed
Liatris tenuifolia Shortleaf Blazing Star
Ludwigia repens Creeping Evening Primrose
Lycopodiella caroliniana Slender Club-Moss
Lycopus rubellus Water Horehound
Lyonia lygustrima foliosiflora Maleberry
Oldenlandia uniflora Clustered Mille Graines
Oplismenus hirtellus Woodsgrass
Opuntia stricta Shell Mound Pricklypear
Osmunda regalis spectabilis American Royal Fern
Oxypolis filiformis Water Cowbane
Palafoxia integrifolia Coastalplain Palafox
Panicum verrucosum Warty Panicgrass
Peltandra virginica Green Arrow Arum
Pluchea foetida Stinking Camphorweed*
Polygonella polygama October Flower
Quercus chapmanii Chapman’s Oak
Quercus geminata Sand Live Oak
Quercus minima Dwarf Live Oak
Quercus nigra Water Oak
Rubus argutus Sawtooth Blackberry
Rhynchospora fascicularis Fascicled Beaksedge
Rhynchospora inundata Narrowfruit Horned Beaksedge
Sagittaria lancifolia Lanceleaf Arrowhead
Scoparia dulcis Licorice Weed*
Setaria magna Giant Bristlegrass
Smilax pumila Sarsparilla vine
Syngonanthus flavidulus Yellow Hatpins
Tiedemannia filiformis Water Cowbane*
Tillandsia balbisiana Spreading Airplant
Tillandsia bartramii Bartram’s Airplant
Tillandsia fasciculata Cardinal Airplant
Triadenum virginicum Virginia Marsh St. John’s Wort
Typha latifolia Common Cattail
Vittaria lineata Shoestring Fern
Xyris fimbriata Fringed Yellow-eyed Grass
*If found in the Osceola County part of Split Oak, would be a first iNaturalist record for Osceola.
New plants found in Split Oak Forest from the BioBlitz through July 2018
I've been inspired by our hiking group1 finding a new plant species to look at how many new plant and animal species we have documented in Split Oak since the BioBlitz on May 4-6, 2018.
This summer-blooming wildflower in the Aster family was not vouchered2 in Osceola County and it had not been recorded in iNaturalist3, by FWC4 or in a herbarium5 as being present in Split Oak Forest.
BioBlitz
Danny Goodding, a PhD candidate at the University of Central Florida, planned and ran the entire event. Scheduling it in May meant that we could perhaps observe Spring wildflowers that were not observed by the FWC contractor that created the plant list, as they did their survey in the fall.
BioBlitz participants observed 303 species in Split Oak Forest, compared to the 400 species listed in the previously referenced FWC management plan.
The species count for Split Oak Forest on iNaturalist is currently at 548, only two months after the BioBlitz!
Including the species found during the BioBlitz, people visiting Split Oak Forest between May 4 and July 16, 2018 documented 88 new species, including 4 new endemic plant species, 44 new common plant species, 5 new species of animals, 34 new species of insect, and 2 new species of fungi/lichen
New Endemic Species of Plants
Phoebanthus grandiflorus Florida False Sunflower
Polygala rugelii Yellow Milkwort
Schoenocaulon dubium Florida Feathershank
Tephrosia rugelii Rugel's Hoarypea
New Common Species of Plants
Andropogon brachystachyus Shortspike Bluestem
Asclepias tuberosa rolfsii Rolf's Milkweed
Bromelia pinguin Piñuela
Carex longii Green-and-White Sedge
Centrosema virginianum Butterfly Pea
Coleataenia tenera Bluejoint Panicgrass
Crotalaria sagittalis Arrowhead Rattlebox
Croton michauxii Michaux's Croton
Eleocharis equisetoides Horsetail spikerush
Erigeron quercifolius Oakleaf Fleabane
Erigeron strigosus Prairie Fleabane
Eryngium yuccifolium Rattlesnake master
Eupatorium mohrii Mohr's Thoroughwort
Eustachys petraea Pinewoods Fingergrass
Galactia regularis Downy milkpea
Helianthemum nashii Florida Scrub Frostweed
Hieracium megalocephalon Coastalplain Hawkweed
Hypericum crux-andreae St. Peter's Wort
Hypericum multilum Dwarf St. John's Wort
Hypoxis juncea Fringed Stargrass
Hypochaeris radicata Common Cat's Ear6
Ipomoea sagittata Saltmarsh Morning Glory7
Lactuca graminifolia Grass-Leaf Lettuce
Ludwigia maritima Seaside Primrosewillow
Mimosa quadrivalis floridana Florida Sensitive Briar
Paspalum setaceum Thin Paspalum
Physostegia virginiana Obedient Plant
Proserpinaca pectinata Combleaf Mermaidweed
Ptilimnium capillaceum Herbwilliam
Pluchea odorata Marsh Fleabane
Polygala cruciata cruciata Drumheads
Polygala nana Candyroot
Rhexia mariana Maryland Meadowbeauty
Rhynchospora megalocarpa Sandyfield Beaksedge
Rhynchospora microcephala Bunched Beaksedge
Rubus trivialis Southern Dewberry
Smilax auricularia Earleaf Greenbriar
Spiranthes praecox Grass-leaved Ladies' Tresses
Stipulicida setacea setacea Pineland Scalypink
Stylisma patens angustifolia Narrowleaf Coastalplain Dawnflower
Vernonia angustifolia Narrowleaf Tall Ironweed8
Woodwardia virginica Virginia Chainfern
Xyris caroliniana Carolina Yellow-eyed Grass
Yucca filamentosa Adams' Needle
New Common Species of Animals
Hyla gratiosa Barking Tree Frog
Nerodia fasciata Banded Water Snake
Plestiodon fasciatus Common Five-Lined Skink
Plestiodon laticeps Broadhead skink
Setophaga striata Blackpoll Warbler
New Common Species of Insects
Anisomorpha buprestoides Southern Two-Striped Walkingstick
Amblytropidia mysteca Brown Winter Grasshopper
Amblycorypha floridana Florida Oblong-winged Katydid
Augochlora pura Pure Green Augochlora
Bombus impatiens Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Camponotus socius Ant without a common name
Chalcophora georgiana Southern Sculptured Pine Borer
Chloridea virescens Tobacco Budworm Moth
Chlorotabanus crepuscularis
Colonus sylvanus Sylvan Jumping Spider
Dasymutila occidentalis Common Velvet Ant
Dermacentor variabilis American Dog Tick
Dolomedes triton Six-spotted Fishing Spider
Eriophora ravilla Tropical Orbweaver
Eurycotis floridana Florida Woods Cockroach
Florinda coccinea Black-tailed Sheetweaver
Harmonia axyridis Asian Lady Beetle
Ischnura hastata Citrine Forktail
Larinia director
Nathalis iole Dainty Sulphur by Nathalie Van Turnhout
Odontoxiphidium apterum Wingless Meadow Katydid
Omphalocera munroei Asimina Webworm Moth
Orphulella pelidna Spotted-winged Grasshopper
Pisaurina undulata Slender Nursery Web Spider
Psinidia fenestralis Longhorn Band-Wing Grasshopper
Poecilognathus unimaculatus Hairless Bee Fly
Polacantha gracilis
Proctacanthus fulviventris Spine-Tailed Robber Fly
Rabidosa punctuata Dotted Wolf Spider
Satyrium favonius favonius Southern Oak Hairstreak
Schistocerca alutacea Leather-colored Bird Grasshopper
Stichopogon abdominalis
Trioza magnoliae Red Bay Psyllid
Urola nivalis Snowy Urola Moth
New Species of Fungi and Lichen
Astraeus hygrometricus Hygroscopic Earthstar
Pycnoporus coccineus Southern Cinnamon Polypore
Missing Plant Species 9
Agalinis filifolia Seminole False Foxglove
Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum Blue Maidencane
Aristida palustris Longleaf Threeawn
Asimina angustifolia Slimleaf Pawpaw
Baccharis halimifolia Groundsel Tree
Bacopa caroliniana Carolina Water-Hyssop
Calopogon tuberosus tuberosus Tuberous Grass Pink
Centella asiatica Gotu Kola
Diodia virginiana Virginia Buttonweed
Epidendrum magnoliae Green Fly Orchid
Eulophia ecristata Giant Orchid
Eupatorium leptophyllum False Fennel
Hypolepis repens Creeping Bramble Fern
Ilex ambigua Carolina Holly
Ilex cassine Dahoon Holly
Ilex coriacea Large Gallberry
Juncus effusus solutus Eastern Soft Rush
Lachnocaulon beyrichianum Southern Bogbutton
Lechea torreyi Piedmont Pinweed
Liatris tenuifolia Shortleaf Blazing Star
Ludwigia repens Creeping Evening Primrose
Lycopodiella caroliniana Slender Club-Moss
Lycopus rubellus Water Horehound
Lyonia lygustrima foliosiflora Maleberry
Oldenlandia uniflora Clustered Mille Graines
Oplismenus hirtellus Woodsgrass
Opuntia stricta Shell Mound Pricklypear
Osmunda regalis spectabilis American Royal Fern
Oxypolis filiformis Water Cowbane
Palafoxia integrifolia Coastalplain Palafox
Panicum verrucosum Warty Panicgrass
Peltandra virginica Green Arrow Arum
Polygonella polygama October Flower
Quercus chapmanii Chapman's Oak
Quercus geminata Sand Live Oak
Quercus minima Dwarf Live Oak
Quercus nigra Water Oak
Rubus argutus Sawtooth Blackberry
Rhynchospora fascicularis Fascicled Beaksedge
Rhynchospora inundata Narrowfruit Horned Beaksedge
Sagittaria lancifolia Lanceleaf Arrowhead
Scoparia dulcis Licorice Weed
Setaria magna Giant Bristlegrass
Smilax pumila Sarsparilla vine
Syngonanthus flavidulus Yellow Hatpins
Tillandsia balbisiana Spreading Airplant
Tillandsia bartramii Bartram's Airplant
Tillandsia fasciculata Cardinal Airplant
Triadenum virginicum Virginia Marsh St. John's Wort
Typha latifolia Common Cattail
Vittaria lineata Shoestring Fern
Xyris fimbriata Fringed Yellow-eyed Grass
Missing Animal Species10
Acris gryllus dorsalis Florida Cricket Frog
Hyla squirella Squirrel Tree Frog
Kinosternon baurii Striped Mud Turtle
Pantherophis alleghaniensis Eastern Rat Snake
Plestiodon inexpectatus Southeastern Five-Lined Skink
Pseudacris ocularis Little Grass Frog
Pseudacris nigrita Southern Chorus Frog
Thamnophis saurita sackenii Peninsula Ribbon Snake
Missing Invasive Plant Species
Florida Pennyroyal
Florida (or wild or false) Pennyroyal (Piloblephis rigida) is a native plant in the mint family that grows in Split Oak Forest. It grows into pretty obvious mounds and usually flowers in the spring. It can be used to make a delicious tea or mixed drink. You'll find it throughout peninsular Florida in the dryer upland plant communities while hiking, as well as in native plant enthusiasts' yards. You can find this plant for sale at native nurseries like Green Isle Gardens in Groveland and The Natives in Davenport1
Florida Pennyroyal used to be a reliable nectar plant for honeybees, but is no longer. Central Florida beekeepers that I've spoken to aren't aware of it as a nectar plant2. As a member of the mint family, its flowers are easily accessible to honeybees.
I have personally observed Florida Pennyroyal twice in Split Oak Forest, once this past Saturday near Lake Two and last November I saw it without flowers in the Osceola part. iNaturalist has two other observations in Split Oak Forest. The USF Herbarium has four vouchered specimens in Orange and Osceola counties, the earliest from 1952, pictured below.
