Just 500 years ago Florida was barely identified, and the flora and fauna undocumented with little known of its complexity or diversity. Juan Ponce de Leon and the Spanish conquistadores who followed him claimed control of the state and geographic area for several centuries before being pushed out.
Even today there are still places and things which carry the imprint of these first European explorers. Punta Rassa, Punta Gorda and Boca Raton all carry names assigned by these early occupants.
Even a few species of plants and animals still carry the Spanish reference in their common names. One of the most common hitchhiking seeds locally is Spanish needles. Bidens alba, as it is known scientifically, is a member of the daisy family.
Spanish moss got its common name because it resembles the long grey beards of conquistadors. Shaving was a nonessential activity for these inquisitive souls in the primitive conditions common in 16th century Florida.
The genus name Bidens means two-toothed and refers to the two projections found at the top of the seed. The species name alba means white which refers to the flowers with white pedals and a yellow center.
This Florida native annual uses the two hooked prongs at the end of the needle-like seed to attach itself to anything coming into contact. This likely included Spanish soldiers who had to cross miles of pre-road terrain on marches through the area.
Another example of the lasting influence of the early explorers is Spanish moss because it supposedly resembles the long grey beards of conquistadors. Shaving was a nonessential activity for these inquisitive souls in primitive conditions, hence the long scraggly beards.
Spanish moss’ scientific name, usneoides, means resembling Usnea, the beard lichen. Appearances aside, Spanish moss is not biologically related to lichens or other mosses. It is in the same plant family as the colorful and popular ornamental bromeliads.
Convict caterpillars easily stand out against the green backdrop of foliage. They are usually guilty of chewing up the leaves of ornamentals like these amaryllis plants. If they survive to maturity, they become flashy Spanish moths.
Chiggers, or red bugs as they are sometimes known, consider Spanish moss a suitable home. Anyone who has the bad luck of prolonged contact to this air plant may leave with red whelps and an unending itch.
Indigenous peoples used Spanish moss to strengthen the clay in some pottery objects. The fibrous strands of the plant provided a sturdy reinforcement webbing, but without the negative effects of chiggers.
Nothing on four feet is identified with Florida as much as the alligator. Their toothy grin is found on post cards, tee shirts, and a nearly unending list of tourist promotional items which invite northern visitors to come south and leave their money.
The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is one of two native species of crocodilians found in Florida, the other being the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). Fortunately, only the less aggressive alligator is found in panhandle Florida.
The name “alligator” originated with the Spanish explorers who identified this reptile as “el lagarto”, literally translated “the lizard”. This eventually changed into “aligarto” and then “alligator” by English settlers who arrived later.
Lastly, there is the Spanish moth. This showy species is usually considered a pest which lays its eggs on amaryllis, iris and lily plants.
Xanthopastis regnatrix, as this insect is known to entomologists, has a larval state known as the convict caterpillar. Its alternating black and white stripes are reminiscent of the distinct prison garb sometimes worn by inmates.
These species, and a few more, are reminders of Spanish Florida and a very different way of life.
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