The Nature Trail at Sugar Mill Ruins is surprisingly diverse and interesting. At each numbered marker along the way, you can learn a little bit more about the items that make this Nature Trail a Volusia County hidden treasure.
Marker 1: Tuber Sword Ferns, and Spanish Bayonet
As you enter the trail, pause for a second and take in the diverse wildlife that awaits. On the hammock floor, dominating the area between the palms and pines, the ground is covered with Tuberous Sword Ferns. This fern is an invasive species, and as you can observe it grows so thickly that it effectively displaces all native vegetation. If you look to the left, you will notice that the ferns cover the ground all of the way to the restrooms. The Tuber Sword Fern can be identified by its pointed tip and overlapping leaf base (pinnae).
Invasive plants are a significant issue in our state. Do your part by planting Florida native plants during your next landscaping job.
The Agave plant just to the right of the marker is Spanish Bayonet. The beautiful white flower of this plant is edible by humans and is a favorite of local butterflies. Spanish Bayonet is a native plant in the Yucca family and is highlighted by extremely sharp, pointed foliage. These leaf tips are sharp enough to pierce through clothing, so be careful inspecting this one.
Go to Marker 2 Epiphytes
Thank you to the following folks who generously donated their time and expertise to identifying the plants on this nature trail: Raymond Jarrett, David Griffis, Trey Hannah and Kalan Taylor. Photos and verbiage provided by Bob Creedon, NSBGuide.com.