Lab 3: Trees, Shubs, and Plants

During our walking tour of Mercer, we saw a plethora of flora indigenous to the South East as well as other vegetation from across the globe.

Trees

Common Name: Ginkgo Trees

Scientific Name: Ginkgo biloba

While this tree is not indigenous to the Southeastern US, as they are aesthetically pleasing, Mercer is the home to several Ginkgo biloba.  It is best known for its medicinal effect.  It is often sold as a drug to those looking to improve their memory.

Common Name: Loblolly Pine

Scientific Name: Pinus taeda

These are common throughout the southeast and a few can even be found on Mercer's campus.

Common Name: American Chestnut

Scientific Name: Castanea dentata

It was once seen throughout the east more is more rare now due to a chestnut blight caused by a fungus.  The nuts are also noteworthy as Christmas time is upon us.

Common Name: Southern Live Oak

Scientific Name:Quercus virginiana

As the Live Oak is the state tree of Georgia, I felt compelled to include it.  But while it is the state tree of Georgia, it can be found throughout the Southeast at large and is someone iconic of the south.

Common Name: American Holly

Scientific Name: Ilex opaca

Again, as it is now close to Christmas time, the American Holly seemed to be a perfect fit for the season.  While it is commonly thought to be just a bush, holly is in fact a tree which, with time, grows to be 10-20 meters tall.  It's fruit which is only produced by the female holly is the characteristic red berry.

Shrubs

Common Name: Honeysuckle

Scientific Name: Diervilla lonicera

There are many types of Honeysuckle.  This species is found, for the most part, throughout the Eastern seaboard.    This plant is notable as the trumpet shaped flowers and its sweet nectar.

Common Name: Juniper

Scientific Name: Juniperus osteosperma

Junipers aren't indigenous or to the south east but are still found in this region due to landscape architects.  They can actually be seen on Mercer's campus.  There are Juniper bushes near the base of the stairwell.

Common Name: Crepe Myrtle

Scientific Name: Lagerstronemia indica

Again, like the Juniper, Crepe Myrtles don't grow naturally in this regions but have transplanted by landscape architects.  Over time, these scrubs have grown to flourish in this region and have become a symbol of the region.

Common Name: Rabiteye Blueberry

Scientific Name: Vaccinium virgatum

This shrub is commonly found in Georgia.  It is particularly abundant in Georgia but can be found throughout the Southeast at large.  It is known for its fruit: the blueberry.

Common Name: American Snowbell

Scientific Name: Styrax americanus

Plants

Common Name: Cherokee Rose

Scientific Name: Rosa laevigata

The Cherokee rose is the state flower of GA.  It is indigenous to Southeast Asia but has become can invasive species and became naturalized here sometime in the 1780s.

Common Name: Aloe 

Scientific Name:Aloe vera

Aloe is not native to the Southeast but has found its way here over time.  It is popular as oil extracted from the plant is used in lotions to assist with everything from sun burn to general moisturizing to antibacterial and anti-fungal treatments.

Common Name: Monkey Grass

Scientific Name: Ophiopogon japonicus

Monkey grass is often a plant of choice for landscape architects.  It is native to Japan but can be found across the Mercer campus and the South East at large, often lining sidewalks.

Common Name: Mexican Petunia

Scientific Name: Arrhostoxylum microphyllum

Common Name: Poison Ivy

Scientific Name: Toxicodendron radicans

Poison Ivy can be found throughout North America.  It is common found in wooded areas: as a vine lurking on trees, waiting for someone to touch it.  Of course, many people have an allergic reaction upon contact with the plant as they are allergic to the Urushiol within the plan.