 Locations:
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Perdido Key: Pine BarrensThe pine barrens is an area off Semmes Road that adjoins the gulf-side dunes. It is not near a development nor is it part of a park so it is a undisturbed example of a sand pine scrub forest which is an exceedingly dry, sandy community with a rather sparse understory of shrubby, evergreen oaks and an overstory of its namesake, sand pine. During the late Pleistocene, when conditions were drier, scrub may have dominated much of the Florida peninsula. (Source: Gil Nelson, "Exploring Wild Northwest Florida: A Guide to Finding the Natural Areas and Wildlife of the Panhandle." ISBN 1-56164-086-7.)
The sand scrub pine trees have odd and twisted shapes. taken by Denise Daughtry
Barrier beaches are one of the world's most restless landforms. As can be seen above the tress are growing on shifting sand which looks like snow. taken by Denise Daughtry
The sand pine forest is located on the sound side of the key on older dunes. taken by Denise Daughtry
Ridges of old dunes form hills and valleys through the forest. taken by Denise Daughtry
In contrast to the species of pine shown below, the sand pine is much shorter. Its form can be twisted with lower branches growing close to the ground. taken by Denise Daughtry
The overstory in some locations is composed of an older growth of short-leafed pine tree. taken by Denise Daughtry
A myrtle oak is surrounded by a lichen ground cover. taken by Denise Daughtry
Twisted shapes of dead scrub pines litter the forest floor. taken by Denise Daughtry
The forest supports a variety of plants and trees in a typical open coastal wood. taken by Denise Daughtry
Florida rosemary is a sand-loving evergreen shrub. taken by Denise Daughtry
Pine stumps decay slowly on the dry sandy forest floor. taken by Denise Daughtry
Saw palmettos form a dense groundcover in part of this forest community. taken by Denise Daughtry
A variety of lichen and moss are the most common ground cover. taken by Densie Daughtry
Pieces of pine scrub trees decay slowly because of the high content of sap. taken by Denise Daughtry
The shapes of the dead pine trees form a natural barrier in the undergrowth of Florida rosemary. taken by Denise Daughtry
The trunks of the sand pine trees twist and turn into bizarre shapes. taken by Denise Daughtry
The colors of Florida rosemary compliments the green lichens and mosses. taken by Denise Daughtry
Lichens and mosses grown on the scrub pine trucks. taken by Denise Daughtry
The lichens are like puff balls was they absorb water. Under dry conditions, the same lichens flatten and become dry and brittle. taken by Denise Daughtry
Pine branches forms litter the forest floor. taken by Denise Daughtry
Some of the sand pines have pinwheel shapes. taken by Denise Daughtry
Lichen grow in shaded areas of the sand scrub forest. taken by Denise Daughtry
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