Experience Brevard County Striking Plant Biodiversity

Brevard County has a very special ecosystem that helps to increase the level of plant diversity. Brevard County is influenced by a temperate climate to the north and a warm tropical climate to the south which allows for an unprecedented amount of diversity for one county. We should work to conserve this special biodiversity because it helps reduce soil erosion, provides shade for recreation as well as reduces cooling costs and energy use, enhances ecotourism opportunities, and diversity is necessary for finding plants that can be used for medicinal uses in the future.

There are currently 1,133 different plant species that have been identified in Brevard County.  In fact, Brevard County Contains 32% of the native flora of the state.  This allows for discovery of medicinal uses, for example:

• Ageratum conyzoides commonly called Tropical White weed is found in Brevard County.
  Medicinal uses include: Treatment of colic, treatment of homeostatic problems and treatment of scabies.
  In Africa it is used to treat fever, rheumatism, and headache.
  In India it is used as a bactericide (An antibiotic that kills bacterial cells).
  
• Salvia lyrata commonly called Lyreleaf Sage or Cancerweed is native to Brevard County and has several medicinal and savory functions.The young leaf has a minty flavor and can be used in salads or bread. The plant and seeds can be used and brewed as soothing bedtime tea.The leaves of the Lyreleaf Sage were once believed to be an external cure for cancer. It is also considered a remedy for warts. The roots were made into an astringent and applied to sores while the tea is used to treat asthma, cough and colds as well as a gargle for mouth infections.*

Reference:
http://www.floridata.com/ref/s/salv_lyr.cfm *

Lupinus diffusis	Helenium pinnatifudum	Drosera capillaris
Tillandsia sp.	Psychotria nervosa	Habaneria floribunda
Opuntia humifusa	Opuntia humifusa

What is the Natural Resources Management Office’s role in relation to Plant Life?

http://www.brevardcounty.us/environmental_management/plants_native_plants_home.cfm