natural history

“C” is for Cooper River. The Cooper River and its tributaries drain much of the central portion of the lowcountry.

“C” is for Cooper River. The Cooper River and its tributaries drain much of the central portion of the lowcountry.

“S” is for Spanish moss. Spanish moss is gray tree-borne epiphyte native to the coastal plain of the southeastern United States.

“S” is for Spanish moss. Spanish moss is gray tree-borne epiphyte native to the coastal plain of the southeastern United States.

Our first idea for insect pollination is usually bees, but those insects didn’t come along until much later than magnolias, which rely on beetles for that function.

Our first idea for insect pollination is usually bees, but those insects didn’t come along until much later than magnolias, which rely on beetles for that function.

Honey locust seed pods have a sweet nutritious substance surrounding the seeds, but not many animals these days can eat through the tough pods.

Honey locust seed pods have a sweet nutritious substance surrounding the seeds, but not many animals these days can eat through the tough pods.

Gleditsia triacanthos is the scientific name for honey locust, Gleditsia for a German botanist and triacanthos means "three-spined."

Gleditsia triacanthos is the scientific name for honey locust, Gleditsia for a German botanist and triacanthos means "three-spined."