Image: Endangered Garretts mint flower (5794258452)
Description: Garrett’s mint (Dicerandra christmanii) is a woody mint known from only four occurrences on the Lake Wales Ridge in Highlands County, Florida. It is restricted to xeric oak-hickory scrub on a single, yellow sand ridge formed millions of years ago during a period of much higher sea level. These ancient sand dunes are home to many native plants, reptiles, birds, and arthropods. Garrett’s mint is protected at a single site, the Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge (LWRNWR). Three other populations occur on private land and face an uncertain future. Eighty-five percent of scrub habitat on the Lake Wales Ridge has been lost to development and citrus production. Fire suppression also is a factor in the decline; without fire, scrub habitats transition to hardwood hammocks. Garrett’s mint is a gap specialist and does not thrive in overgrown areas. Photo and description: Dave Bender, USFWS
Title: Endangered Garretts mint flower (5794258452)
Credit: Endangered Garrett's mint flower Uploaded by AlbertHerring
Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No
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