c 



of the pond side-slopes, and time. 



Some ponds contain a central stand of pond cypress and 

 gum ( Nyssa sylvatica var. bif lora ) , but no marginal arborescent 

 vegetation. Fire as well as other disturbances are probably 

 factors in this expression. 



The intermediate phase of development seems to be 

 represented by many ponds where the surrounding upland vegetation 

 gives way to a series of concentric rings of herbaceous 

 vegetation that represent increasing permanence of hydric 

 conditions toward the center of the pond. Again, water level 

 fluctuations, slope, and time are important factors. The most 

 permanent hydric situation, of course, is open water. 



Below is an annotated list of vascular plant species which 

 f have been seen growing in or along the edges of these natural 



upland ponds. Among these are many species which are _ 



relatively rare in North Carolina. The list is a result of ' 

 casual inventory and should in no way be considered exhaustive. 

 Alismataceae 



Sagittaria graminea Michx. 



Sagittaria teres S. Wats. Reported by A. E. Radford 

 (Personal Communication, 1972) 

 Apiacea 



Centella asiatica (L.) Urban. Common around ponds 

 with open sandy margins. 





229 



