Need some research help

Hello

I'm trying to add a bit of setting to my novel and I'm having trouble doing the research on my own.

I think I've found that junipers and cedars are and are not the same tree but are called that?

Basically, what I am trying to find is a tree that thrives in hot weather near the ocean (on a forest like island in fact). And if that tree drops leaves or needles, and if those leaves and needles can prick/scrape/irritate the skin.

Some looking around the Internet lead me to cedars and junipers, but I am still unsure of the choice. I will have a scattering of palm trees, banana trees, and some other plants.

Thank you for any help.
GN

How about Kiawe, Prosopis pallida.

It drops brances full of little thorns that are real buggers when they go through your slippers. On the tree they get caught in your hair, scratch your skin, and poke you in the eye.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosopis_pallida

http://mauimike6.wordpress.com/2009/08/25/kiawe-prosopis-pallida-hawaiis-tropical-mesquite/

http://www.kiaweking.com/2011/02/kiawe-prosopis-pallida_27.html

http://informedfarmers.com/algarobaprosopis-pallida/

http://www.hear.org/starr/images/species/?q=prosopis+pallida&o=plants

Your Eastern and Southern Red Cedars are both species within the genus Juniperus. They would both occur along the southeastern coast along with palmettos. The foliage itself can be rough when you brush against it and it sort of catches in your clothes. I imagine the needles on the ground would be the same.