Three
Okame Cherry trees have a beautiful pink floral display on the entrance
lot to the Center. These trees were selected by former Director, Nellie
Neal, and planted to provide early spring (pre-Redbud) color to our
entrance. This cultivar is a hybrid of the Taiwanese and Japanese
cherry species (Prunus campanula X P. incusa) introduced to Europe in
the 1940’s, and as indicated by its rapid growth in full sun,
during a relatively dry period, it is well suited for yards in the
Clinton area.
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Common Name: Okame Cherry
Scientific Name: Prunus incusa var. okame
Where to Look: Entrance Lot near flagpole.
Photo and text by Bill Stark |
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The
long, slender winter buds of Carolina Beech are among the more
distinctive to be seen in Mississippi’s forests. These, together
with the persistent brown leaves which remain on the stems through our
winter season, make this species an attractive and conspicuous presence.
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Common Name: Carolina Beech
Scientific Name: Fagus grandifolia
Where to Look: Scattered through the Center. Most common on Grapevine Loop.
Photo and text by Bill Stark |
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Among
the earliest woodland spring flowers to emerge is Wake Robin, or
Trillium. This newly emergent specimen was found on February 9, 2008
along Pioneer Trail and its presence holds the promise of many more in
the next two weeks.
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Common Name: Wake Robin or Sweet Little Betsy
Scientific Name: Trillium cuneatum
Where to Look: Throughout the Center but particularly common
in Fern Gully and Grapevine Loop.
Photo and text by Bill Stark |
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Blueberry is a shrubby relative of Sparkleberry, a small tree species
common throughout the Center. Few examples of Wild Blueberry are found
here, but its early flowering date, green stems and flowers with petals
united almost to their tips help in recognition. This specimen is
located on Pioneer Trail on the south bank near a sign recognizing a
Strawberry Bush specimen. |
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Common Name: Wild Blueberry
Scientific Name: Vaccinium elliotti
Where to Look: Grapevine Loop, Hickory Loop and Pioneer Trail.
Photo and text by Bill Stark
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Moss
plants often provide an obscure ground cover which may completely
escape our attention. The plants in this image show two generations of
an unidentified plant found recently along Pioneer Trail. The slender
red-brown stalks represent the sporophyte phase of the plant which is
parasitic on a short supporting, leafy green female gametophyte. These
plants are part of a “miniature forest” which can be found
and appreciated when we look closely.
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Common Name: Moss
Scientific Name: Unidentified but perhaps a member of genus Leucobynum
Where to Look: Throughout the Center on recently exposed soil in shady sites. Fairly common on the south bank along Pioneer Trail.
Photo and text by Bill Stark |
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This
barbed wire imbedded in a Blackjack Oak tree provides a reminder of
earlier days at the Center when cattle were present and the land was
under cultivation. These evidences of previous land use are
scattered throughout the Center; this image was captured on Pioneer
Trail near Butterfly Garden.
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Common Name: Blackjack Oak
Scientific Name: Quercus marilandica
Where to Look: On Pioneer Trail near Butterfly Garden.
Photo and text by Bill Stark
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Small broken limbs of oak and other hardwood species found
along the trails often have gelatinous brown or yellow masses attached during
rainy periods of our winter season. These masses are the fruiting bodies of
“jelly fungi” which are relatives of mushrooms. Some types of these are used in
soups and in folk medicine, but as always when dealing with fungi, great care
should be taken in order to avoid consuming a toxic species.
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Common Name: Jelly Fungus
Scientific Name: Not identified, but perhaps a near relative
of Auricularia
Where to Look: Throughout the Center on small twigs. Most
conspicuous after recent rainfall.
Photo and text by Bill Stark
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Paw prints of Raccoons can be found on bridges and
boardwalks throughout the Center and throughout the year when enough moisture
is present. This print was recently found on the boardwalk at the west end of
the Center.
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Common Name: Raccoon
Scientific Name: Procyon
lotor
Where to Look: Throughout the Center on wooden structures.
Photo and text by Bill Stark
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Leaves and floral buds of Red Buckeye are well
developed and beginning to emerge as of February 23 when this image was made in
Fern Gully. Numerous floral buds were seen on that date on Buckeye trees
throughout the Center, which promises a colorful period along the trails over
the next few weeks.
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Common Name: Red Buckeye
Scientific Name: Aesculus
pavia
Where to Look: Throughout the Center but most common
in Fern Gully and along the boardwalk on Grapevine Loop.
Photo and text by Bill Stark
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