UNIVERSITY COLLOQUIUM SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SPECIES

Throughout my University Colloquium class I have learned about as well as encountered many different types of plants and animals. Here is a collection of some of my favorite species I learned about in University Colloquium and some fun facts to accompany them!

ECHO Farms Field Trip- Week 3

• The Neem Tree:”Pharmacy Tree”- This tree, from India, has microbial properties that provide many benefits. It can act as a mosquito repellent, soap, lotion, and take care of the bacteria in your mouth.
• Moringa Tree: “Miracle Tree”- cures water from impurities.
• Bamboo: Can be used to make floors, pipes, buildings, fences, etc. And can grow up to 3 feet in a day!                                                

Campus Trail Walk- Week 4

• Sabal Palm Tree(Cabbage Palm):  The state tree of Florida.
• Spanish Moss: A bromeliad, in the pineapple family.  

 
Ft. Myers Beach Field Trip- Week 5

• Red Mangrove:  Has distinctive roots closest to the ocean; slim with a pointy head. “Red, red, pointy head.”
• Black Mangrove:  Has a strong root system, checkerboard looking bark. “Black, black, checkerboard back.”
• White Mangrove: Furthest away from the shore, distinguishable leaves. “White, white, bolts on tight.”
• Dolphins: Mammals; can grow up to 8 feet in length and weigh 300- 400 pounds. Eat 15- 30 pounds of sea life in a day.
  

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Field Trip- Week 8

• Red Shouldered Hawk: Has an average wing-span of 3-3 1/2 feet.
• Alligators: Can be found in freshwater shores, lakes, swamps, and rivers.

Downtown Ft. Myers Field Trip- Week 10

• Purple Martins: Geographically loyal, will always return to the same nesting site year after year.
• Banyan Tree: First planted by Thomas Edison in an attempt to produce a more effective rubber for tires.                                                                            

Campus Trail Walk- Week 12

• Barred Owl: the nocturnal counterpart for the Red Shouldered Hawk.

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