I'm always driving by Flatwoods Park in New Tampa on my way to Home Depot, and I decided I should take a walk there one day. Well, I was a little disappointed at first when all I saw was a black asphalt trail with bicyclers. However, as I was walking along, I noticed a small trail leading back into the woods. Naturally, I followed it. It was short, only about two hundred yards, but when it ended, I was in bromeliad heaven!
As you can see, there was a small stream, many cypress trees, and lots of native bromeliads hanging in them. I have never seen them this big before!
Here's another nice view of the scenery.
This one took my breath away!
This tree was just covered.
Here's one with a nice bloom stalk.
I took a picture of the one above where it had attached to the tree. The roots are strictly for holding it on to the tree; it doesn't hurt the tree at all.
Here you can see some of the red blooms sticking up.
Another nice view of the area.
As a bonus, I found a native orchid! The orchid forum folks told me this was the common Florida Butterfly orchid. I'll be sure to keep an eye on it, as well as the tillandsias, and take more pictures when they're all in full bloom. I couldn't get as close as I wanted to because of the water, but my brother already told me I can borrow his waders. My dad and brother looked at the pictures and said, "That looks like where we hunt." So I told them they had to take pictures of plants for me next time.
This message was edited Jan 13, 2007 10:36 PM
spelling errors...can't stand 'em!
This message was edited Jan 13, 2007 10:41 PM
WOW Stunning ! How do they get up in those trees ??
I think the seed just flies on the wind and wherever it lands, it tries to grow. I went back today for some more shots. Here's some pretty blooms.
These tillandsia seeds started germinating right on the mommy plant! Look at all the little babies.
The size of these just astounds me. Imagine how long they've been there.
Lots and lots on this tree!
Here's another nice habitat shot. I had a zebra longwing fly over me today, but he was too fast for a picture. I don't see those too often, usually it's swallowtail butterflies I see.
