Resurrection ferns
tidal creeks and banks near maritime forests. Both species are
known to build dens on land near tidal creeks and rivers.
There is no specific legal protection of maritime forests,
although many coastal governments protect grand trees
within their jurisdictions. The majority of the small coastal
hammock islands are considered property of the state and
as such, should remain largely intact. The state and federal
government also own several large coastal islands where
maritime forests are protected. However, maritime forest
continues to be lost as coastal development expands.
Maritime forests are also indirectly impacted by human
activities through the introduction of competing plant
species. For example, the loblolly pine has become densely
established in some coastal areas. This species is preferred
by timber growers and has been planted over much of
the coastal landscape of the Southeast. The consequential
abundance of loblolly seeds has resulted in this species
spreading over much of the landscape including areas
Resurrection Ferns (above right): A
common plant that grows in the bark
of older live oaks is the resurrection
fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides). This
remarkable plant becomes desiccated
during dry weather, losing up to 95% of
its water, yet it survives.
As it dries outs, it shrivels, curls in
upon itself with the underside of the
leaves turned outward and becomes
gray in color. However, with the next
rain, it seems to miraculously recover
– expanding fully within two or three
WINTER/SPRING 2018 • VOLUME 39
where maritime forests should exist.
Another troublesome tree is the Chinese tallow tree. This
species was brought into the country in the 1700s as an
ornamental tree and for seed oil production. It has become
popular in landscaping because of its pest resistance, fast
growth, and bright yellow fall color. Unfortunately the species
has become widespread due to its prolific seed production
and now dominates some woodlands and dewaters isolated
wetlands, to the detriment of wildlife.
The SCDNR encourages coastal home and landowners
to conserve maritime forests as much as possible and if
building within or near a maritime forest to minimize the
footprint and use best management practices (see www.dnr.
sc.gov/marine/pub/BMPSforCoastWeb.pdf). In addition, it is
important to consider using naturally occurring plant species
for landscaping that are both attractive and provide food and
shelter for wildlife. Consult your local chapter of the Native
Plant Society for help finding native species. NK
hours with lush green leaves. These
epiphytes (plants that live on the surface
of other plants) are thought to live up
to 100 years. Leaves or fronds are about
six inches long and four inches wide
and are often found in clusters on live
oak limbs.
The plant is not parasitic on the
tree, getting its nutrients from the air
and rain. Reports are that the Aztecs
used this species as a diuretic, as well
as treatment for renal stones, cystitis,
and liver infections. Recent research is
beginning to confirm that these plants
and other resurrection plants do indeed
have unique properties that may lead
to significant medical treatments for
humans.
Speaking of resurrection ferns,
scientists note, “[It] is not surprising
that antioxidant, cytotoxic,
antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral
properties have been found as the main
biological activitie s of extracts and
isolated constituents (often phenolic
compounds).”
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