This property, much to our surprise, after purchase, was recognized as a Hard Wood Hammock, not a common occurrence in the Keys. We have a number of specimens (Mahogany, Jamaican Dogwood, Gumbo-Limbo, etc.) and representatives have been labeled with placards for your easy identification. These and other plants were pointed out to us by native plant experts. A native plant is one that neither needs neither watering nor fertilizing. Further information can be found under the landscaping section.


 Early on, we had experts identify, name and label our Special Plants and Trees. Samples of each were identified (for your pleasure) by permanent placards. Also, for your enjoyment, following is a list of most of these with certain facts as pertain to usage, certain features, or other wonderful details. Most of our subsequent plantings have been in the native plant category, except for the Key Lime Tree, the four large traveler palms and some of the palms.


Native Plants located on our property:
Mahogany [Swietenia mahagoni] There are 2 mature mahogany trees in our grove. (labeled) Threatened in South Florida. The fruit is a brown pod, Y 5" long. Wood is hard, dark, strong and close grained. Used as cabinet wood, furniture and in ships.

Jamaica Dogwood [Piscipia piscipula]: Bark, roots and leaves rich in rotenone, an insectcide, and fish poison (Indian pounded bark, leaves and twigs to a powder, placed in a weighted basket and lowered into a hole in water. Collected the fish as they floated to surface. This now prohibited by law. Wood is very hard, used in ship building posts and poles and for making charcoal.
 

Gumbo Limbo [Bursera simaruga]:This tree referred to as the "Tourist tree" it turns red and peels! We have 24 of these beauties here. Deciduous in nature. Many are copper colored. When bark broken, a turp entine smelling resinlous sap exudes used as glue, varnish and in medicines. Once it was used exclusively in making carousel horses because it is soft, lightweight, carves easily and holds paint very well.

Strangler Fig [Ficus aurea nutt]: Has a "Host Tree". Beautiful and fascinating. Aerial roots, not massive great shade tree. Often starts out as an epiphyte, deriving moisture and nutrients from air and rain weakens host tree, some by strangulation, but more by competition for sunlight and food. Ultimately, host tree dies. Later, feed off decay of host tree. Often called Golden fig. Important as food plants for wildlife. Latex of sap used as chewing gum. Here, the trees located near our "Rock Garden" on west side of entrance driveway has entrapped 2 wine bottles, neither can be removed intact.

Pigeon Plum [Coccoloea diversifolia jacq]:In sea grape family. Evergreen diverse foliage. Indians loved to eat the fruit. The fruit, now sold in Nassau. Makes good jelly and wine.

Poison Wood [Metoplum toxiferum]:Straight Boled tree with some scaly bark, suppurating readily, exuding a poisonous sap. Five stalked leaflet, often blotched with irregular black spots. All parts of this tree except pollen include a resin which can cause a severe toxic dermatitis. Do Not Handle. On endangered species list. Unlawful in Florida Keys to cut down. Fruit of this tree necessary for the life cycle of the white crowned pigeon.

Iron Wood: Hardest wood known. Revives diamond tippers, saw blades for cutting

Lignum Vitae: Second Hardest wood known. Largest known tree located on Lignum Vitae State Park (Tours available). This wood used extensively on old sailing ships (approximately 1500’s to persent time). Now used in turbine rooms in man made dams (i.e. Wheeler Dam, AL)



PALMS

We have a variety of palms in our "grove" selected for their beauty and adaptation to the local soil and weather conditions. A number of these were contributed by the Thomas Edison Estate in Fort Myers, Florida.

Spiney Palm

Screw Pine: Pandanus utilis (20' to 601 adult hgt.) So named because of the swirling direction (unscrewing) the errupting young plant demonstrates as it comes out of the ground. It is not a true palm, thou it's leaves resembles a palm. Flowers borne in spikes followed by the fruit, a mass of woody drupes or nuts. Need acid forming fertilizer.

Triangular Palm: Neodypsis decari (25') The shape of the trunk (triangular) gives this plant a descriptive name due to a precise 3 planed arrangement of leaves. Needs fertilizer, esp. potassium.

Red Latin Palm: Latania loddigesii (30') Adults lose most of their red foliar highlights that*makes it such a distinctive young specimen. Still mightly pretty!!

Royal Palm: Roystonea regia (70') Most graceful of U.S. palms, plum like leaves. Very good for "avenue planting", much like what Thomas Edison orchestrated in Ft. Myers. Does not survive outdoors north of the subtropics, above the appx. latitude of Sarasota.

Travelers Palm

Washington Palm: Washingtonian, Robusta (70' 100') originally, a desert palm. So tall it tends to die young from lightening strikes. Our two glorious specimens were present in 1982 when we purchased this property, and have already doubled in height.

CACTUS
There are two "Formal" Cactus gardens on ocean side of house. This plant responds to drought, and a particular fertilizer Miracle Grow. Their exceeding good health, so close to salt water, has been an amazement and bonus.  Some of the Cacti names are easily understandable:
Golden Barrels 2 large, several small
Old Man Cactus with gray, fuzzy beard
Fish Hook cactus
Others:
Aloe
Monti Cristi Cereus Peruvianu


Native Plants & Other Botanicals at Rainbow’s End:
The Native Plant is known to receive no fertilizer, no pesticides, and no water (except rainfall). Other features include; national beauty, some berries and leaves necessary for life-cycle of some butterflies and birds (White Crested Pigeon), and food for many animal species and owners proud display.

Ocean-side: There are Buttonwoods (member of Mangrove family) two mature Florida Cork Trees, Desert Rose and a substantial Cactus Garden.

Desert Rose

Highway Side Native Plants:
Mahogany – 2 mature trees, threatened in South Florida. Fruit is a 5” long ball shared pod. Wood is hard, dark and strong, close grained. Used as cabinet wood, furniture and in ship construction.
 

For More Information On This Lovely Islamorada Vacation Rental:

Property ID: Rainbow's End  #17161972

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