Tropical Hardwood Hammocks

General Info.
Tropical hardwood hammocks are a groups of trees found in Florida, but one of the few that are characterized by tropical plants. Tropical hardwood hammocks occur in south Florida and along the Florida coastlines where it is tropical. The term hammock is used in Florida to describe forest habitats that are typically higher in elevation than surrounding areas and that are characterized by hardwood forests of gigantic evergreens. Tropical hardwood hammocks occur on patches of limestone, sand, and shell at heights that usually do not flood.Tropical hardwood hammocks provide critical habitat for a number of plants whose northernmost portions of ranges extend into South Florida. These plants may be found in other tropical climates like the West Indies, but in the United States, they only occur in the tropical hardwood hammocks of South Florida. Many Tropical Hardwood Hammock species are now listed as endangered. Hardwood hammocks form a dense canopy with a tangle of shrubs and vines at the ground level and its outer edges. They serve as superior places for animals to make their habitat. The thick shade created by a mature hammocks controls the temperature inside, keeping them several degrees cooler during the summer months, and protecting the hammock iterior from winter winds.

 Endangered Species
Bahama strongbark (Bourreria succulenta), buccaneer palm (Pseudophoenix sargentii), Florida boxwood (Schaefferia frutescens), lignum vitae (Guajacum sanctum), manchineel (Hippomane mancinella), and milkbark (Drypetes diversifolia).
Common Species
Gumbo limbo (Bursera simaruba), black ironwood (Krugiodendron ferreum), inkwood (Exothea paniculata), lancewood (Ocotea coriacea), marlberry (Ardisia escallonoides), pigeon plum (Coccoloba diversifolia), satinleaf (Chrysophyllum oliviforme), poisonwood (Metopium toxiferum), and white stopper (Eugenia axillaris).







http://crocdoc.ifas.ufl.edu/msrpmap/tropical_hardwood_hammock.php
http://www.miamidade.gov/derm/hardwood_hammock.asp