Immerse in an ECO-Tour and Experience Southwest Florida Islands by Boat

“Captain Brian Holaway is well versed in the intricacies of our unmatched locale. He can guide to and through a multitude of out-of-the way tidal creeks, bayous, keys and islands. More important is his passionate interest and respect for the region. With unique insights from his many explorations and his studies, not only does he identify the birds and wildlife that inhabit our semi-tropical watery land, but he explains their interconnectedness to their environment and each other. In addition, he shares the fascinating history of rugged people who came long before us: Florida Native Indians, the Calusa, the Spanish, the Cubans, early homesteaders, and the wisdom evident in the growth of their culture.

You will come away with great enjoyment and a new understanding of this beautiful place and its history.”

Historian, Betty Anholt
Author of Sanibel’s Story

Friday, June 17, 2011

Black Mangrove
















One of the many things I enjoy about  Cayo Costa is the botany. Today I photographed the flowering black mangrove tree. This tree uses the salt water and releases the salt through it's leaves. If you look close you can see the salt on the leaf. The underside of the leaf is a pale color. This is from the salt. In the months of June and July the tree can be very productive for honey. The honey is clear white. In the early 1900's there was a gentleman who lived on Cayo Costa with a large family who collected the honey from the black mangrove. I have always liked the location of his long gone house, an ancient shell mound. The vistas are breath taking but sleeping is hard. This is one of the many things I enjoy about Cayo Costa.

6 comments:

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

Beautiful photos and I enjoyed the lesson. Very interesting. Thanks Brian!

Kaybe said...

Did he have hives on the island or do you think he just collected it in the wild? I get raw honey from a local beekeeper & it is the best. Not to mention the pollens in the raw honey are good fer what ails ya.

Anonymous said...

I will have to check my Cayo Costa archives. I would guess hives. the old time fisherman and women said" he just lived off those bee's.

The Florida Blogger said...

I do a lot of mullet fishing around these babies around Pine Island in the fall. Can't wait to see them again.

Capt. Brian Holaway said...

I can't wait to see them again either. I left them 2 hours ago and won't be back for another 18 hours.

Jen S. said...

Very interesting about the Black Mangrove trees. I learned a lot :) I really enjoyed the pictures too...very nice!