A Rare Inkberry Bush
Sanibel Island is home to a threatened species of plant.
As I was walking the beach taking photographs, I came across a rare subject.
This bush with the black drupe is known as Inkberry or Beachberry. They are found in the dune area of beaches around Florida. They are in the same family as an invasive species that looks similar, but has a white fruit instead of black.
Beachberry is an important dune species, because they build up the dunes and allow other plants to flourish.
The plant is threatened by coastal development, coastline erosion, and rising temperatures. Sanibel Island takes care to protect the dunes by placing boardwalks over the dunes, giving people a path down to the sandy shore, but allowing the dune to flourish as well.
I am glad that we get to take in both the nature of our area and wonderful beaches. It is especially nice when they are there for you on the same trip.
It is always exciting to learn new things about the local ecology. These dunes are home to numerous species of plants and animals, and they are important for the overall health of our area. Have you seen beach dunes before? What did you think of them?
Thursday is Indigo or Black on Daily Colors. Today’s photos came from a walk on Sanibel Island by Lloyd and Melannie, in October of 2019.
