A brief overview of plant communities and the status of selected plant species at John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida

摘要

John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), which contains within its boundaries Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and most of Canaveral National Seashore, is located on the northern part of Merritt Island on the east coast of central Florida and consists of approximately 57,000 ha (140,000 ac) of land and lagoonal waters. Merritt Island and the adjacent Cape Canaveral form a barrier island complex. Merritt Island contains a diverse flora; approximately 1067 species of native or introduced plants occur. This flora contains plants of northern (temperate) distribution some of which are near the southern limits of their range as well as species of subtropical and tropical distribution many of which are near the northern limits of their range. Introduced species occur around old homesites, past and present agricultural areas, and areas affected by construction. This diverse flora is arranged along the landscape in a complex series of plant communities. Distribution of the communities is influenced by major environmental factors including soil type, presence of salt spray near the ocean, and elevation which influences the occurrence and duration of standing water. Wetland types differ with the salinity of the water and soil. Fire is an important factor in many upland and marsh communities. Human activities have also modified or influenced the vegetation patterns. Brief descriptions of the plant communities of KSC are given. The classification used is that of the vegetation map of KSC at 1:12,000 scale.