As well as being home to a number of exotic animals, like panthers, alligators, and manatees, the Everglades is rich with beautiful and unusual plant life. From aquatic plants to tall trees, from large shrubberies to small, delicate flowers, the Everglades has it all. Here, Wild Florida wants to give you an inside look at all of the interesting plant life you may see on an Everglades airboat tour.
One of the most interesting species you may see on your airboat tour is the ghost orchid. This small, delicate flower, which is on the endangered species list, can be found anchored to the trunks of trees throughout the Everglades. Ghost orchids bloom between June and August, and when the flowers open, they give off a distinct, fruity scent, almost reminiscent of apples. You’ll recognize the ghost orchid by its white color and unique tendrils, which almost look like legs.
The humidity of the Everglades makes it the perfect environment for other air plants as well, like ferns and bromeliads. Whether these plants are found anchored to other land trees or scattered across the forest floor, their vibrancy and unique colors and shapes are easy to distinguish.
The Everglades area is also known for its aquatic plant life, which you’ll see all throughout your airboat tour. Probably the most-known plant in the Everglades is sawgrass, the abundance of which lends its name to the region’s nickname: “The River of Grass.” Thousands of acres of marsh in the Everglades are made green from the presence of this proliferous grass. Algae, water lilies, and maidencane also thrive in the waters of the Everglades.
As for land plants, the cypress tree is the best-known species in the Everglades. These unique trees can survive either on land or in the water, and many cypress swamps are scattered throughout the region. Interestingly enough, cypress trees shed their leaves each fall, which is unusual in subtropical regions.
Taking a guided airboat tour is one of the best ways to discover all of the beautiful plant and animal life in the Everglades. Wild Florida provides customers with exciting, educational airboat tours and an exotic eco park. Book your tour now by calling (866) 532-7167.
