THE CANKI1KAKK. 



427 



of tendrils, while the older stems twine about supporting objects. In 

 consonance with the strongly xerophilous structure and aspect of this 

 plant is its marked preference for the open, sunny parts of the swamps. 

 It also occurs at the edges of the Black Gum swamp, and often ascends 

 small trees. 



Less abundant, but quite conspicuous when its scarlet fruits are 

 ripe, is a species of greenbrier with deciduous leaves, Smilax wai- 

 ter!, which, however, shows a greater liking for shade than does 

 S. laurifolia. 



Arundinaria macrosperma (Canebrake) association. — No less im- 



Fhi, H2. — Big cane (Arundinariu macroxpi'rmti). 



portant in the open parts of the swamp than llie association just 

 described is the "canebrake," which covers extensive areas, often in 

 nearly pure association, where the shrubby growth has not secured the 

 upper hand. The cam 1 (A rittidinariti nuwrosperma), a woody, bamboo- 

 like grass, locally known as "reeds,"' grows usually to a height of 

 2 meters (over G feet), although, especially along the ditches and at 

 the edges of woods, it is not rarely 1. 1 meters (15 feet) high (fig. 

 82). Along the water courses the aspect of the plant is peculiarly 



