Cypress-tupelo Swamp In Northeastern
by Dante Fenolio
Title
Cypress-tupelo Swamp In Northeastern
Artist
Dante Fenolio
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
A Cypress-Tupelo swamp in northeastern Alabama. The tree 'Swamp Tupelo' or 'Swamp Black Gum' (Nyssa biflora) and the 'Water Tupelo' (Nyssa aquatica) grow in soils that are wet to saturated. These wetlands are famous around the southeastern corner of the United States. The wetlands are also typically inhabited by a couple of species of cypress trees, the Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) and the Pond Cypress (Taxodium ascendens). Living in waterlogged soils that are anoxic is difficult for most plants. Both cypress and tupelo trees have 'swollen' bases, which aerates the trunk tissue. This adaptation also adds stability to the tree’s base in soggy soils. Cypress 'knees' keep the cypress anchored and sturdy, providing a counterweight at ground level. The cypress trees were sought after for building materials because cypress wood has termite repelling qualities. Many of these swamps were drained and cleared. The lower United States have cleared over 50% of their wetlands to date. Photo taken in NE Alabama, 2018.
Uploaded
December 1st, 2019
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