Unique Tree History

Every once and a while I come across a tree related article that makes me appreciate the role trees play as part of our community history, in some cases in quite a shocking fashion. This particular tree's backstory has all the elements of a great yarn including: History, Terrifying Name and the Macabre. The tree uniquely dubbed "The Devil Tree" is actually located in St. Lucie County within the Oak Hammock Park. While there is nothing sinister appearance wise with the Live Oak, its past history is both alarming and enlightening. Associations with Florida's first serial murderer along with numerous attempts throughout the years to burn/cut down the tree only add to its allure. 

Image used courtesy of www.wierdus.com

For additional information on the "Devil Tree", please visit the following websites: 

Weird Florida (weirdus.com)

The Devil's Tree - Clio (theclio.com)

Oak Hammock Park | Park Details | Port St. Lucie (cityofpsl.com)

South Florida Palms and Lethal Bronzing

There's a new palm disease to be aware of called Lethal Bronzing that can potentially impact some of our most prestigious south Florida. Common symptoms include premature fruit drop (fruit is stunted, brown and or dead along with dead inflorescences), gradual browning of older leaves, then death of young/new fronds and eventually spear leaf death (center most frond growth point). While costly preventative measures are available unfortunately, there is no cure for infected palms and the only course of action once a palm is confirmed as infected is total removal. If you suspect a palm may have Lethal Bronzing please contact the local Broward County Cooperative Extension Service for additional advice and potential testing. Additional information about Lethal Bronzing can be found at the following IFAS website.

 Necrotic lower Sabal Palm fronds and dead spear leaf. (c) The Daytona Beach News Journal 

Canary Palm almost completely dead with spear leaf dying (c) Fox 13 News

Premature fruit drop and necrotic inflorescences of Coconut Palm. (c) The Florida Alligator