The NCCF recognizes the need to encourage native vegetation that provides a robust ecosystem for our protected wildlife. 

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North Captiva Island’s lush landscape is dotted with Florida’s state tree, the cabbage palm.  The cabbage palm is one of the few native palm trees in Florida.  In well-manicured settings, the trees may receive “hurricane cuts” to trim the dead fronds and berries.  The south side of the island, home to the state park that encompasses about 60% of the island, was once host to cabbage palms and sea grapes with more open spaces, but the invasion of Brazilian Pepper has dramatically changed the landscape over the last 20 years, destroying habitat and threatening natural diversity.

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“Brazilian Pepper-tree”, an evergreen shrub or small tree, was originally introduced in Florida as an ornamental plant.  With its deep green foliage and bright red berries sometimes used in Christmas decorations, it can still be found as a hedge in many Florida cities.  Its arrival to North Captiva, likely by birds and spread by other mammals that feast on the berries, displaced the native vegetation.   It is very difficult to eradicate, but Lee County ordinance  Sec. 33-1741 requires removal of all pepper on the island.

 

The Joewood tree is one of the species found in the state park on North Captiva that is threatened by habitat loss.  The slow-growing shrub or small tree has fragrant blooms that appear sporadically throughout the year.  Enjoying a Joewood in bloom is one of many delights that the North Captiva Conservation Foundation seeks to encourage.

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