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EDIS Update

New and revised publications from the University of Florida Insitute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

    Key to Nine Common Smilax Species of Florida (FOR307/FR375)

    May 10th, 2013
    Topic(s):Ecosystems & Species, Forest Resources

    Figure 5. The glaucous coating on the lower surface of the leaf on Smilax glauca is an excellent distinguishing characteristic for this species.Identifying species found in Smilax the genus can be difficult because species resemble one another closely. One must be careful to use detailed descriptions in order to correctly identify a specimen. Smilax species are important because they can provide shelter and food for wildlife and have provided humans with medicine, food, and dyes. Twelve Smilax species are found in Florida. This 8-page fact sheet covers the nine more common species that one may encounter in the state. Written by Lynn Proenza and Michael Andreu, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, January 2013.
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr375

    Thousand Cankers Disease: A Threat to Black Walnut in Florida (FOR308/FR376)

    April 8th, 2013
    Topic(s):Crops, Forest Resources

    Figure 4. Lesion caused by the pathogenic fungus, Geosmithia morbida. The dark area is necrotic tissue (dead wood). At the center of the lesion is a hole where the walnut twig borer entered. Thousand cankers disease of walnut is a tree disease of the edible nut-producing and ornamental tree, black walnut. The first diseased trees were observed in New Mexico in the 1990s. The disease has since spread to most of the western states. Until 2009, diseased black walnut trees were only found outside of the natural range of black walnut, which occurs from the mid-Atlantic states to just west of the Mississippi River. In 2009, it was found near Knoxville, Tennessee; it has since spread to Pennsylvania and Virginia. It is possible that within the next decade this disease could naturally spread to Florida. However, if people continue to move TCD infested walnut logs from place to place, this disease could arrive in Florida tomorrow. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Don Spence and Jason A. Smith, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, February 2013.
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr376

    Wildland-Urban Interface: Key Issues (FOR202/FR264)

    March 4th, 2013
    Topic(s):Community Development, Ecosystems & Species, Forest Resources

    small group of people looking at a mapA result of the influx of new residents to the South is an expansion of urban areas into forests and other natural areas, creating areas referred to as the wildland-urban interface. Interface issues of most concern vary from state to state, but some key issues are consistent across the South. the US Forest Service conducted a series of focus groups in 2000. Key issues gleaned from those focus groups and other related sources are described in this 5-page fact sheet written by L. Annie Hermansen-Baez, Jennifer Seitz, and Martha C. Monroe, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, February 2013.
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr264

    Environmental Education Resources from Federal and State Agencies (FOR100/FR128)

    February 25th, 2013
    Topic(s):Getting Involved, Program Development

    Teacher with students on road in forestGoing on a field trip? Want a spiffy new poster? Looking for a guest speaker? Or do you just need to know more about wildland fire, endangered species, coastal management, or invasive exotics? Many agencies are available to provide information, share resources, support field trips, and contribute to your environmental education programming. This 8-page fact sheet explores federal and state agencies in Florida with major educational resources. Written by Martha C. Monroe and Alison W. Bowers, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, December 2012.
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr128

    Pyrus communis, Common Pear (FOR293/FR361)

    October 17th, 2012
    Topic(s):Lawn & Garden

    Figure 1. Common pear (Pyrus communis)The showy flowers and manageable height of common pear makes it a favorable ornamental landscape tree. Some find the aromatic flowers and sweet edible fruits to be an additional plus; however, a pollinator specimen must be nearby in order for the female tree to produce fruit. Careful consideration should be taken when choosing a planting location, since the soft fruits can be messy if not harvested. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr361

    Casuarina equisetifolia, Australian Pine (FOR298/FR366)

    October 17th, 2012
    Topic(s):Ecosystems & Species, Lawn & Garden

    Figure 1. Australian Pine (Casuarina equisetfolia)Australian pine was originally planted in Florida in the late 1800′s as a windbreak and for shade. But soon thereafter it was spreading without help from humans. Today it is considered a category I invasive species in Florida, and the Division of Plant Industry strictly prohibits possessing, transporting, and cultivating this species. For those who find this tree in close proximity to their home, it’s a good idea to replace it since Australian pine is known to have a very low resistance to wind. Australian pine is commonly found growing on coastal shorelines since it thrives in salty, sandy environments. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr366

    Tabebuia serratifolia, Yellow Trumpet Tree (FOR303/FR371)

    October 9th, 2012
    Topic(s):Lawn & Garden

    Figure 1. Tabebuia serratifolia, Yellow Trumpet TreeThis deciduous tree is native to South and Central America is commonly planted in Florida as an ornamental landscape and shade tree. It has attractive bright, yellow blossoms produced in the absence of leaves. Once established, this tree is drought tolerant, making it easier to care for and less demanding on water resources. Yellow trumpet tree also has a relatively high tolerance to salt spray, and therefore is an appropriate street tree or yard specimen in coastal areas.This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr371

    Hippomane mancinella, Manchineel (FOR302/FR370)

    October 8th, 2012
    Topic(s):Ecosystems & Species, Lawn & Garden

    Figure 1. All portions of the manchineel tree are poisonous.This poisonous tree is native to southern Florida, the Keys, many of the Caribbean islands, Mexico, and Central America. Though it is poisonous to humans and many animals, iguanas are eat the fruit and sometimes live among the tree’s limbs. It’s found along the seacoasts and in brackish swamps where it grows among mangroves. Each leaf has a small gland where the leaf joins the stem. The bark is reddish-to-grayish brown and cracked looking. Flowers inconspicuous, but the spikes or leafless stems that the flowers emerge from are visible. The fruit is bright-green and looks like a small apple. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu and Melissa H. Friedman, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr370

    Fortunella spp., Kumquat (FOR300/FR368)

    October 8th, 2012
    Topic(s):Citrus, Lawn & Garden

    Figure 1. Kumquat (Fortunella spp.)Many people find kumquat trees attractive and useful yard specimens. Their dark green leaves and contrasting bright orange fruits give them ornamental quality, and their relatively small size makes them easy to care for once they’re established. Because kumquats generally require less care than other citrus trees, they may be a good choice for gardeners with less time or experience, but who still desire an attractive and tasty citrus tree. If space is an issue, kumquats also do well in containers as long as they receive proper sunlight and watering. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr368

    Gleditsia aquatica, Water Locust (FOR301/FR369)

    October 8th, 2012
    Topic(s):Lawn & Garden

    Figure 1. Water Locust (Gleditsia aquatica), Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area, Orange County, FL, July 2012Water locust’s wide, spreading root system and affinity for hydric conditions makes it a useful specimen for erosion control on wet banks of freshwater systems. While not widely available, planting this tree in residential yards or other public locations may be less than ideal, since the long and sharply pointed thorns on the main trunk and branches can be hazardous. This deciduous tree is native to Florida. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr369

    Callistemon salignus, White Bottlebrush (FOR292/FR360)

    October 8th, 2012
    Topic(s):Lawn & Garden

    Figure 1. Callistemon salignus, White BottlebrushNative to Australia, this evergreen tree has use as an ornamental tree that produces moderate shade along a street, median, or yard. The unique flowering structure is eye-catching and it can be pruned for use as a decorative hedge. Its tolerance of many different soil types and droughty conditions makes it easy to care for after it’s been established. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael Andreu, Melissa Friedman, Robert Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr360

    Cassia grandis, Pink Shower (FOR294/FR362)

    October 8th, 2012
    Topic(s):Lawn & Garden

    Figure 1. Detail of Cassia grandis L.f. blossoms and budsThe name “pink shower” comes from the bright pink blossoms that this tree produces. It is sometimes called “stinking tree” because the pulp in its pods has a very strong smell. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr362

    Cassia leptophylla, Gold Medallion Tree (FOR295/FR363)

    October 8th, 2012
    Topic(s):Lawn & Garden

    Figure 1. Gold medallion tree (Cassia leptophylla) in bloomThe gold medallion tree is planted primarily as a shade tree or as a decorative specimen for the yard or street. Many people like this tree because of its fast growth rate and showy, bright yellow clusters of flowers that bloom in the summer months. This tree loses its leaves for a very short period each year, but leaves are quickly replaced. Pruning the tree to one main leading stem from which major branches are attached can help increase its strength and sturdiness against strong wind events. The golden medallion tree is also naturally pest resistant, and as long as it is grown in areas where the temperature does not drop below freezing, it is an easy tree to care for. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr363

    Cassia afrofistula, Kenyan Cassia (FOR296/FR364)

    October 8th, 2012
    Topic(s):Lawn & Garden

    Figure 1. Detail of Cassia afrofistula (Kenyan Cassia)The Kenyan cassia can be used as a showy ornamental tree or shrub, with its dark foliage and bright yellow flowers. Some people find the seed pods to be unattractive and prune the tree after it flowers to prevent pods from developing. This tree tolerates a wide range of soil types and can be used in a garden, park, patio, or streetscape setting. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr364

    Leucaena leucocephala, White Leadtree (FOR299/FR367)

    October 8th, 2012
    Topic(s):Lawn & Garden

    Figure 1. White leadtree (Leucaena leucocephala)In Florida, white leadtree is a prohibited species and therefore is not used in commercial applications in the state. However, in its native range it is used as a source of charcoal, fuel, and lumber. It has also been planted as a windbreak for crops such as coffee and cocoa, and some ranchers use the tree as a source of both shade and forage for cattle, with the pods being an excellent source of protein. In addition, as white leadtree forms a well-developed taproot, it has been planted to assist with erosion control. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, July 2012.
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr367

    Landscaping in Florida with Fire in Mind (FOR71/FR076)

    October 8th, 2012
    Topic(s):Ecosystems & Species, House & Home, Lawn & Garden

    Figure 1. With careful management and preparation, fire can be a positive force in maintaining Florida's native forests.Fire is a powerful part of Florida’s landscape. It can maintain healthy natural ecosystems (Figure 1), but can also turn a home to ashes. Florida’s frequent lightning strikes and human carelessness guarantee that wildfire will continue to be a factor in both rural and suburban areas. Some homeowners may wonder if they are in danger of wildfire. Find out if you are at risk, and follow these guidelines to reduce the threat of wildfire. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Martha Monroe, Alan Long, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, September 2012.
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr076

    The Costs of Managing an Urban Forest (FOR217/FR279)

    October 8th, 2012
    Topic(s):Community Development, Forest Resources

    Dowtown revitalization project in Gainesville, FL. photo: Thomas WrightUrban forests provide benefits to society often referred to as ecosystem services: they improve human health, environmental quality, and local economies by increasing property values and aesthetics in communities. They help cities control storm water, reduce air pollution and energy costs, and offset carbon dioxide emissions. But urban forests also have “ecosystem disservices.” An accurate assessment of an urban forest’s costs can assist decision makers to better understand the role the forest plays in improving the well-being of the community. Identifying how funding is used can also help communities minimize costs and increase benefits. This 4-page fact sheet will review some of the types of costs associated with urban forests and present typical financial costs associated with urban forest management in the city of Gainesville, Florida. Written by Francisco Escobedo and Jennifer Seitz, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, October 2012.
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr279

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