This area is called an ephemeral pond community because at certain times of the year there is standing water and at other times it is dry. It is an upland temporary pond. The canopy consist of mostly the Swamp black gum, black gum or swamp tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora). The Nyssa or swamp gum has specially adapted roots to survive in standing water. Swamp tupelo, Dahoon holly, St. John’s wort, and Broomsedge are specifically adapted to the conditions in an ephemeral pond. For example, the Swamp tupelo is deciduous, it loses its leaves in fall and stands dormant during fall and winter when its roots may be underwater. When summer arrives, the tupelo begins active growth. The shrub layer of the ephemeral pond is made up of mostly St. John’s wort (Hypericum spp.) You may have heard of St. John’s wort. It is often used as an herbal remedy and made into capsules or tea. The herb and grass layer is made up of Broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus), Pitcher plant (Sarracenia minor), Bloodwort, and Redroot. This habitat is also extremely important to amphibians, especially during the wet season.
Syngonanthus Flavidulus in bloom at the nissa pond
This cache is part of the UCF Arboretum tour series.
When logging your find please also include the number of people in your party and we also love to see photos of you or your group at play. We hope you enjoy the arboretum and learn something useful from the UCF Arboretum Geocache series.