Plants in Profile #16

There are over 120 different species of plants and trees on the Mound House property. These specimens represent not only native Florida vegetation, such as those found in mangrove fringes, coastal hammocks and shell mound habitats, but also plants cultivated by the Calusa, Spanish  colonials and American settlers as part of early Estero Island agriculture. Species of scientific and cultural importance from around the world are also found here and are included in the “Plants and People” tour here at Mound House.

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#16  - PLANTS IN PROFILE #16 : SEMINOLE THORNY BLACKBERRY

There are now over 120 species of plants at Mound House. The latest addition is a native of Florida and can be found growing in our garden containers right in back of the Mound House.  As you may know, the garden portion of our site exhibits some of the numerous varieties of fruits that would commonly be found growing in the backyard of 1920s Estero Island home.

True to its name, the Seminole thorny blackberry is an aggressively thorny variety. Sharp thorns are found along the stems and mid rib of the leaves. Blackberries are also one among the various species of brambles that have been used throughout the United States and Europe for hundreds of years as an effective natural barrier around homes or gardens to keep out marauders.

Blackberries are delicious and have one of the highest levels of antioxidants found in fruits . Antioxidants are natural substances that slow the aging process. In addition, blackberries are used in herbal remedies to treat stomach ailments, sore throat, and even dysentery. The ancient Greeks even used blackberries as a treatment for gout.

Blackberries are also an important food source for wildlife including deer ,bears and songbirds.