Articles
Analytical search for underutilized plant species in southern Florida by reference lists and surveys
Article number
1460_1
Pages
1 – 10
Language
English
Abstract
Plant reference lists are generated for various reasons, such as observations of rare plants in their natural habitats, recommendations for native plants in landscapes, and design considerations for agricultural systems.
Our study of plant reference lists aimed to rigorously review classifications for southern Florida agroecosystems.
We analyzed available plant reference lists and supporting survey data to identify underutilized species that potentially warrant additional attention or routine recommendation for horticulture and conservation.
Several databases including iNaturalist, Atlas of Florida Plants, and EcoDash represented statewide lists, and were further subset for Miami-Dade and Lee Counties.
Additional regional lists and data sets were collected to support sorting and selection criteria.
These reference lists were curated according to overall plant type and functional purpose.
Each plant species in our study was documented to be currently in Florida by at least one reference.
Information was collected on plant status (native, established, cultivated, rare, invasive, etc.) to assist in characterizing differences in plant distribution and function.
Plant records were reviewed for synonymous species names and erroneous classifications.
Our analysis searched for variable presence across species lists by sorting, grouping, and arranging plants.
This allowed a preparation of methodologically generated reference lists for natural, agricultural, and urban areas in southern Florida.
Our objective was to generate lists of potential underutilized plant species to consider for cultivation based on observational evidence and consistent reference.
Lists were compiled using classifications determining underutilization by some agricultural and conservation purpose, along with suitability for installation in two contrasting locations.
Plants that were classified as native and edible were of particular interest for agricultural applications such as crop selection, intercropping, hedgerows, soil regeneration, and integrated pest management.
Practical insight from these references and observations supported targeted plant selection and management in the region.
Our study of plant reference lists aimed to rigorously review classifications for southern Florida agroecosystems.
We analyzed available plant reference lists and supporting survey data to identify underutilized species that potentially warrant additional attention or routine recommendation for horticulture and conservation.
Several databases including iNaturalist, Atlas of Florida Plants, and EcoDash represented statewide lists, and were further subset for Miami-Dade and Lee Counties.
Additional regional lists and data sets were collected to support sorting and selection criteria.
These reference lists were curated according to overall plant type and functional purpose.
Each plant species in our study was documented to be currently in Florida by at least one reference.
Information was collected on plant status (native, established, cultivated, rare, invasive, etc.) to assist in characterizing differences in plant distribution and function.
Plant records were reviewed for synonymous species names and erroneous classifications.
Our analysis searched for variable presence across species lists by sorting, grouping, and arranging plants.
This allowed a preparation of methodologically generated reference lists for natural, agricultural, and urban areas in southern Florida.
Our objective was to generate lists of potential underutilized plant species to consider for cultivation based on observational evidence and consistent reference.
Lists were compiled using classifications determining underutilization by some agricultural and conservation purpose, along with suitability for installation in two contrasting locations.
Plants that were classified as native and edible were of particular interest for agricultural applications such as crop selection, intercropping, hedgerows, soil regeneration, and integrated pest management.
Practical insight from these references and observations supported targeted plant selection and management in the region.
Authors
Z.T. Brym, C. Martin, L. Legel, A. Franck
Keywords
agroecology, botany, species richness
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