County targets Brazilian pepper at Lake Seminole
By BOB McCLURE
Article published on Tuesday, June 10, 2008  |
SEMINOLE – Pinellas County officials are currently in the process of removing Brazilian pepper and a number of other invasive tree species from the north end of Lake Seminole.
“I’ve been receiving a lot of calls concerning the clearing work on the north end of the lake and the removal of the trees,” said Environmental Program Coordinator Kelli Levy in an e-mail. “The primary plant being removed is Brazilian pepper, a noxious invasive species that has taken over certain areas around the lake’s shoreline.”
She said other non-native, invasive trees such as lead tree, Chinese tallow, China berry, Punk tree, Washington palm, and Surinam cherry also will be removed.
Levy said the removals are the result of recommendations by the Lake Seminole Watershed Management Plan as part of the ongoing restoration of the lake to improve habitat.
According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Brazilian pepper is a medium-sized shrub-like tree native to Paraguay and Brazil. It was first introduced in the state during the 19th century and has since spread to areas throughout central and southern Florida.
It grows 15 to 30 feet in height and occupies more than 700,000 acres in the state.
Brazilian pepper, which is related to poisonwood, poison oak and poison ivy, can cause allergic skin conditions from its sap.
It also produces small berries that change from green to bright red as they ripen, which are dispersed by raccoons, opossums and migratory birds. The berries also can produce a toxic effect on wildlife during certain periods of the year.
One of the biggest threats the species poses is a dense, closed canopy that shades out other plant life.
Because of its aggressive growth, possession of Brazilian pepper plants with the intent to sell or plant is illegal in Florida without a special permit.
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Article published on Tuesday, June 10, 2008
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