Lignumvitae Key, Protected island and National Natural Landmark in Monroe County, Florida Keys, US.
Lignumvitae Key is a protected island and National Natural Landmark in Monroe County, Florida Keys. The 287-acre parcel supports a dense tropical hardwood forest that rises about 19 feet above sea level at its highest point.
Spanish explorers named the island group Matecumbes during the 1500s and 1600s. Early settlers from Indian Key later cultivated sisal plants here in the early 1800s.
The island contains three archaeological sites recognized by Florida: a burial mound, a stone structure, and a stone wall from the Glades period.
The best time to visit is between December and April when regular boat access operates from the mainland. Visitors should plan ahead since access is by boat only and hours are limited to mornings and early afternoons.
The island takes its name from the rare Lignum-vitae tree, a tropical hardwood species found here. This distinctive tree species gives the forest a character that sets it apart from other tropical areas in the region.
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