The recent heat dome has made the news as a major cause of distress to residents of panhandle Florida and far beyond. Air conditioning has made this troublesome weather tolerable, at least until the power bill arrives.
Of course, Florida has long been a haven for sun worshipers, those members of the leisure class who commit the time necessary for baking under the blistering sun until the desired golden tone is achieved despite medical advice to the contrary.
As one could logically surmise, clothing is at a minimum so exposure to the ultraviolet radiation is maximized. The chemical compounds slathered on the epidermis are there only to attain a cosmetic advantage and protect against sunburn.
In these broiling weeks past the summer solstice, another more immediately painful threat from nature can plague anyone who ventures out deprived of garments. Those serpents in this Garden of Eden are thorns.
Smilax and brambleberries can inflict painful injuries if contacted. Bare skin and light clothing do nothing to protect the trespasser, so be aware and, better yet, come prepared.
Unlike the tale of the snake in the Book of Genesis, there are multiple sources of thorns awaiting the careless trespasser. Two of the most common are brambleberries and smilax.
Brambleberries encompass two species. Both blackberries and dewberries have thorns, the only noticeable difference between the two being their height.
Blackberries are noticeably taller than dewberries. Both also have tasty fruit, which is how many people (usually children) encounter their thorns in the late spring.
However, as the plants die back and desiccate in the summer, the cane and thorns become rigid and unforgiving. Shortcuts though thickets can result in punctures and cuts as the needle-sharp thorns contact skin.
Unless the interloper is covered in heavy denim or canvas constructed clothing, there will be some blood loss. The encounter may also require the manual removal of thorn fragments lodged under the skin.
Smilax is another potential spoiler for the uninitiated trying to commune with Mother Nature and get a suntan. The plant is very vigorous and is equipped with an enviable array of survival traits.
A sinewy vine, smilax puts up an intimidating barrier to both human and beast and is camouflaged in greenery during the warm season. Also known as green briar, cat briar and other sometimes rather graphic terms, the native plant thrives in panhandle Florida.
Botanically, smilax is found in tropical to temperate zones. There are about 350 species worldwide and 12 in Florida, with nine being common. All have thorns, some larger than others.
Individual plants can withstand harsh treatment and environments. If burned or mowed to the soil’s surface, they will regenerate from a segmented rhizome root system.
Rhizome roots are the subterranean stems which spread roots and runners from their bulbous root nodes. Curiously enough, the roots of a species in this genus were used as the basis for sarsaparilla in the 19th century.
Clearly, the potential to make millions and corner the soft drink market overcame the fear of the thorns. But the thorny vines may have another skin irritant.
Smilax has the additional resource of extra-floral nectaries, nectar-producing glands physically separate from the flowers. These nectaries may function as an organ for the plant to rid itself of metabolic waste and/or to attract beneficial insects for pollination and defense.
Ants are especially attracted to the extra-floral nectaries in smilax and may establish mounds close by. The ants defend the smilax from herbivores and any other creature which come into contact with the plant.
Skin piercing thorns and ant bites are a problem for anyone, especially those who wish to expose some of that skin for a sun-kissed tone. Maybe it is healthier to avoid the exposure…
Leave a Reply