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When you think of a swamp,
few pleasant words come to mind.
Despite the negative associations,
there are few other habitats in South Carolina
that are as vital and abundant as the wetlands.
With a total of 4.6 million acres,
the wetlands cover approximately 24% of the surface area
of the state.
One of the most valuable ecosystems
belonging to this group are swamps.
It's here where a multitude of plant and animal species thrive.
Now it's time to see it...
From the Sky!
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Most swamps in South Carolina are found on the Coastal Plain,
a region covering 20,000 square miles between the Atlantic Ocean
and the Sandhills.
A common type of swamp in this area
are known as Cypress Tupelo or Blackwater swamps.
As their name suggests,
Black Water swamps are flooded
in a dark colored tea-like water.
This is caused by vegetation decay,
typically from one of the common trees here,
the Tupelo.
When Tupelo leaves fall into the water,
bio molecules known as tannins are released
giving the swamp its murky appearance.
Tannic water also serves as a natural pesticide
against mosquitoes because of its acidic properties.
However, not all insects are affected this same way.
Honey bees in the swamp lands
produce a very special kind of honey only found here.
Also known as Swamp Honey,
Tupelo Honey is made exclusively
from the nectar producing blossoms of Tupelo flowers.
Because of his distinct fruity floral taste,
smooth texture and high fructose to glucose content,
Tupelo Honey is considered to be a delicacy
and is famous around the world.
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The other predominant tree species
found in the Blackwater swamps is the Bald Cypress.
Able to survive for centuries,
these trees are amongst the oldest living organisms
on Earth.
Highly adaptable, cypress trees have few disease problems
and can grow in a variety of soil types.
One unusual characteristic about this tree is that
it is both coniferous and deciduous.
Typically coniferous or "cone-bearing" trees
are evergreen trees whose needle-like leaves are retained
year round.
Deciduous trees however,
have leaves that fall seasonally.
The name "bald cypress" comes from the appearance of the tree
when its leaves fall in the early autumn months.
Another peculiar feature is that it has woody growths
around its trunk called "knees."
Protruding above the ground or water,
cypress knees are part of the tree's root system
that grow vertically.
Originally, it was believed
that the knees provided the tree with oxygen,
but in fact, their function is unknown
since trees with their knees removed
do not decrease in oxygen content.
Possible explanations for this phenomenon could be
that they help the trees' stabilization
or gather sediment to prevent erosion.
But nonetheless,
these knees remain a mystery of the swamp.
♪ gentle ambient music ♪
Swamps and wetlands play a vital role in the state's environment.
Swamps operate as filters,
removing sediments and pollutants from the water,
improving its quality naturally.
When heavy rains induce floods, swamps absorb the extra water,
reducing flood damage
and help protect coastal regions from storm surges.
Sadly, the value of the wetlands go unseen
and have been taken for granted.
As of today, development and farming
have drained over half of the wetlands
that once existed in the United States.
Hopefully with conservation and appreciation,
we can continue to experience
these integral and misunderstood ecosystems...
From the Sky!
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