Vegetation
North Captiva Conservation recognizes the need to encourage native vegetation that provides a robust ecosystem for our protected wildlife.
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.
The 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. You can help protect both our native vegetation and our native wildlife species by eradicating Brazillian Pepper from your property.