Rotary Centennial Nature Center at Honeymoon Island State Park

Exotic Plant Removal

There are a number of exotic plants on the islands, the most noticeable being the Brazilian pepper.

The Brazilian pepper is extremely fast growing and competitive, destroying native habitats very quickly. Its rapid, sprawling growth pattern allows it to cover large areas of ground in a short time. The heavy shade and tangled branches virtually eliminate understory and nearby native plants. Brazilian pepper does not suffer much in prescribed burns.

Invasive plants not only keep native plants from flourishing, but remove the source of food and shelter needed by native animals.

The park removes non-native plants in a program that may require three laborious steps, depending on the plant.

Treat each plant with an herbicide.
Cut the plant down.
Perform a prescribed burn in the area.

By completing one or more of these steps on each type of invasive plant, an area can be returned to its optimal environmental condition in which the native plants and animals can grow again.