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Spittal Pond Speciation
Cape Weed
The Capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) is part of the sunflower family which falls into the plantae kingdom. This species originates from South Africa and is native to Bermuda. Which simple means that the species arrived on the island without the aid of human, but can be found in other areas of the world as well. The cap weed is a low-growing short-lived plant, with dark-purplish colored centers and plentiful yellow petals. This weed is usually widespread across coastal environments, grasslands and open fields. However, is naturally known as a plant of fresh-water habitats, but may occur on the borders of salt water pounds and flats during wetter periods.
Asparagus Fern
Asparagus Fern (Asparagus Densilfrous) is an introduced species. Which means it was introduced to Bermuda by humans from various countries. The Asparagus Fern has become and invasive species. This aggressive plant duplicates from spores instead of seeds. The hostile Asparagus Fern reproduces at a rapid speed that is causing environmental problems. Since it’s an introduced species that has become seriously invasive this plant competes with native and endemic plant species for space, food, and etc. Causing these endemic and native plants to reach possible extinction. This is a prime example of the natural selection process the - Asparagus Fern species interacts with their environment destructively; it is very successful in its survival and reproduction passing on behavioral adaptions that are key for survival. Asparagus Fern is a true example of survival of the fittest in the process in evolution. The Asparagus Fern flourish in habitats like Spittal Pond. However, Bermuda’s Department of Conservation Services
Brazil Pepper
The Brazil Peppers are locally called “Mexican Peppers”, which they are the most invasive plant species in Bermuda. Mexican peppers seeds are spread by starling birds while they eat the fruit. The peppers were introduced as an ornamental garden plant in the early 1950’s and has since successfully invaded all parts of the island. It has been so successful that overtime it has destroyed many native plants and also changed the habitats it has invaded. Because Mexican peppers are not bothered by sandy oil, salt, or soggy conditions, they can be found anywhere they can grab onto.
Prickly Pear
The prickly pear is Bermuda’s only native cactus. It is in the opuntia genus, cactaceae family. Prickly pear is the general term used for the fifteen members of the cataceae family. Most require well drained soil in dry, rocky flats or slopes, but some prefer mountain pinyon/juniper forest due to natural selection. The habitat for the prickly pear is very dry, with only about 3-16 inches of rain a year. It had many adaptations, in order to survive and reproduce. The prickly pear cactus stores water in its pads to use when there is a drought. It also modifies its leaves into spines for protection. Another adaptation the prickly pear has to help survive is vegetative reproduction.