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Invasives of San Felasco #4 Mystery Cache

Hidden : 8/6/2015
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

This cache is located within San Felasco Hammock State Preserve.  There is an entry fee posted at the parking lot ($4.00/car, cash only).  Please abide by all park rules and take nothing but pictures (or geocaching swag) and leave nothing but footprints (or geocaching swag).


This geocache is NOT at the posted coordinates.  To find the geocache, you'll need to learn about some of the invasive species in the park

Invasive plants are all around Florida.  Almost 1/3 of all plant species in Florida have been introduced from other regions of the world.  These introduced plants are often called non-native or exotic.  Plants that are part of the original Florida are called Native.  Some exotic plants become pests, outgrowing native plants by overrunning our natural areas.  These are known as invasive exotic plants or invasive alien plants.  Of all of the exotic plants in Florida, only 10% have become invasive.  Some invasive exotic plants have been invited to Florida for landscaping or agricultural purposes, while others have arrived as uninvited hitchhikers in shipments from overseas.  

When exotic plants overrun native habitats, they can change soil, water, nutrient and fire cycles that are the lifeblood of our natural areas.  These changes in turn cause a decrease in biodiversity, a loss of rare plants and a lack of food and shelter for native wildlife.  

To find this cache, use the information below to determine which invasive exotic is being described.

This invasive is found along stream banks and in wetlands.  The leaves are roughly arrowhead shaped and attached to a stalk near the leaf center.  It resprouts readily and sends runners out from underground parts.  It is pictured below.


If it is Cogongrass, go to N 29 42.870 W 082 27.650

If it is Coral Ardisia, go to N 29 42.866 W 082 27.646

If it is Chinese Tallow, go to N 29 42.868 W 082 27.652

If it is Taro, go to N 29 42.321 W 082 27.135

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Vs lbh svaq lbhefrys va be arne gur cnexvat ybg, lbh unir pubfra gur jebat vainfvir.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)