Lush Vegetation
A
pristine habitat is the
backbone of Tyrrell County’s thriving
wildlife population. Its best-known
habitat is probably the pocosin,
named by Native Americans and
meaning “swamp on a hill." A pocosin
is actually a raised bog formed from
thousands of years' of rich organic
accumulation that can be up to 12
feet deep. Pocosin habitat is fire
tolerant with a dense shrubby understory and,
typically, a pond pine over story.
This
area is also known for its
Scuppernong grapes, a variety of the
muscadine that grew wild and
thick here. The plentiful fruit
helped keep wildlife healthy
and well-fed in late summer and
early fall. The large and uniquely
flavored greenish
bronze fruits have also been popular with
people for wine, jelly, and jams.
Cypress trees
throughout the area attract
attention with their mysterious looking
“knees” growing up from their roots. These
growths rise above the water or soil
surface and have smooth, rounded tops much like bent
knees. The function of these knees is
unknown, although scientists theorize they
may help with gas exchange and add
structural support to the tree. |
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