Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

Florida Plant Leaf Identification

...
palm image by koko300 from Fotolia.com

The state of Florida is home to a very large variety of plant species. These species are identified by their assorted leaf structure and unique arrangements. The plants include various evergreen, pine, palm and fruit-bearing trees. Examining the shape, color and texture of subtropic foliage is key to identifying them.

Colored Foliage

Subtropic plants with colorful foliage fill the landscape of Florida. Bright pink leaves like those found on the codiaeum variegatum and the cordyline fruticosa are easy to identify on sight. Since the state's climate provides increased levels of sunlight, some plants do not maximize their photosynthetic potential. Instead of focusing on gathering more sunlight with green chlorophyll leaves, the vibrant colors are used by the plant to attract pollinators and aid in the process of reproduction.

  • The state of Florida is home to a very large variety of plant species.
  • Since the state's climate provides increased levels of sunlight, some plants do not maximize their photosynthetic potential.

Shrub

Florida shrubs are typically broad-leaved plants that are divided into smaller leaves, known as "compound leaves." They are designed to utilize the state's long growing season and maximize their resources by increasing their photosynthetic surface area. Many shrubs are coated in a glossy compound that reflects sunlight to prevent evaporation and sun damage.

Trees

Although better-known for palm trees, Florida's vegetation includes coniferous, evergreen and various fruit-bearing plants. Each tree can be identified by unique leaf structures that utilize the warm, humid climate. Needle leaves from pine trees increase photosynthetic processes within the plant and are able to regenerate damaged buds without wasting important resources.

Climate

Florida's subtropic climate is well-known for its long growing season and short dormancy periods. Plants found throughout the state are often evergreen and able to sustain resources through the entire year. Their leaves are designed to decrease water loss from evaporation and increase photosynthetic surface area.

  • Florida shrubs are typically broad-leaved plants that are divided into smaller leaves, known as "compound leaves."
  • Many shrubs are coated in a glossy compound that reflects sunlight to prevent evaporation and sun damage.

Internal Cues

The structures of leaf cells and the arrangement of their processes can help botanists identify plants, where visual cues may not be enough. Subtropic plants process internal compounds differently from other species because of their minimal dormancy periods. This allows plants to develop unique structures such as modified roots and vibrant leaves. These exemplify the unparalleled survival methods of Florida's plants.

Related Articles

Tropical Plants Found in South Carolina
Tropical Plants Found in South Carolina
Why Are Sun Leaves Thicker Than Shade Leaves?
Why Are Sun Leaves Thicker Than Shade Leaves?
Why Do Pine Trees Stay Green in Winter?
Why Do Pine Trees Stay Green in Winter?
How to Care for Indoor Foliage Plants
How to Care for Indoor Foliage Plants
Facts About Evergreen Trees
Facts About Evergreen Trees
Deer Resistant Indian Hawthorn
Deer Resistant Indian Hawthorn
Information on Magnolia Trees in Florida
Information on Magnolia Trees in Florida
Tropical Leaf Identification
Tropical Leaf Identification
Difference Between Evergreen & Deciduous Trees
Difference Between Evergreen & Deciduous Trees
Can Maple Trees Grow in Florida?
Can Maple Trees Grow in Florida?
Why Do Evergreens Keep Their Leaves?
Why Do Evergreens Keep Their Leaves?
Aphids on Succulents
Aphids on Succulents
Is Eucalyptus Mulch Toxic to Plants?
Is Eucalyptus Mulch Toxic to Plants?
Zone 10 Flowers & Plants
Zone 10 Flowers & Plants
Classification of Hibiscus Sinensis
Classification of Hibiscus Sinensis
How to Troubleshoot Cat Palm Leaves That Are Turning Brown
How to Troubleshoot Cat Palm Leaves That Are Turning...
Fern Leafed Tree Identification
Fern Leafed Tree Identification
Water Effect on Plants
Water Effect on Plants
Garden Guides
×