NatureNotes

Carolina Coralbead

Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio

Bill Dodd [CC BY-NC 4.0] NCSU Extension Service

Cocculus carolinus, commonly called the Carolina coralbead, or snailseed, is a perennial vine of the moonseed family (Cocculus). It is native to North America, where it is found in Mexico and in several states in the United States from the Southeast to the Midwest.

The species' common name derives from the appearance of its small, rounded red fruits, and the rough half-moon shape of its seeds.

Stay Connected
Rudy Mancke served as naturalist and co-host of South Carolina ETV's <i>NatureScene</i>, which began its long run in 1978. His field trips, broadcast nationwide, earned him a legion of dedicated viewers. Rudy's knowledge of the complex inner-workings of different ecosystems and his great admiration for the natural world make him the perfect guide. In fact, the National Wildlife Federation and the Garden Club of America honored his commitment to resource conservation with special awards. After retiring from SCETV, Rudy went on to become naturalist-in-residence at the University of South Carolina, Columbia. He hosted SC Public Radio's <i>NatureNotes</i> from 1999 until his death in 2023 at age 78.