Our Mississippi Home
Southern Prickly Ash – The Thorns Warn
SUMMARY: The spikey Southern Prickly Ash tree, adorned with sharp spines and thorns, stands out in its natural habitat due to both its physical and chemical defenses, deterring animals and some insects. Known also as the Toothache Tree, it shares family ties with citrus plants, offering a scent and taste reminiscent of orange. The tree’s bark, rich in alkaloids and volatile oils, can numb the mouth similarly to dental medication, showcasing its medicinal purposes. Beyond pain relief, extracts from the tree are utilized in various treatments and culinary practices, particularly in Chinese and Japanese cuisines where it’s known as Sichuan Pepper. This versatile tree not only serves human uses but also supports wildlife, including the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly and potentially the Grizzled Mantis, highlighting its ecological significance.
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Our Mississippi Home
Aging on the Coast: How Hancock County is Preparing for a Retirement-Ready Future
SUMMARY: Mississippi’s Hancock County is aging faster than the rest of the state, with 22% of residents aged 65 or older—up over 55% since 2010. The Hancock County Senior Citizen’s Center in Bay St. Louis serves as a vital hub, offering meals, transportation, mental health support, and social activities that combat senior isolation, a serious health risk. Supported by local funding and volunteers, the center fosters community and personal connection. Statewide, Mississippi’s four-year State Plan on Aging aims to expand services like long-term care and elder abuse prevention. The center’s director emphasizes honoring seniors’ stories and building a retirement-friendly community where no one ages alone.
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Our Mississippi Home
The Other Passionflower | Our Mississippi Home
SUMMARY: Yellow Passionflower (Passiflora lutea) is a delicate, smaller-flowered vine compared to its purple relative, Passiflora incarnata, yet it adds elegant beauty to landscapes. Its flowers, arranged along the vine’s long petioles, appear to float and feature dramatic structures inspired by Christian symbolism. Both species are native to the southeastern U.S. and support butterflies like the Gulf Fritillary and Variegated Fritillary. The vine also serves as a host for various insects and the rare Anthemurgus passiflorae bee, studied by Applied Community Ecology. Easy to grow, Yellow Passionflower attracts wildlife, enriches ecosystems, and thrives in home gardens despite occasional butterfly herbivory.
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Our Mississippi Home
Why Mississippians Love Independence Day
SUMMARY: In Mississippi, the Fourth of July is a deeply personal celebration blending patriotism, family, faith, and tradition. It centers on family gatherings—backyard cookouts, reunions, and church services that honor freedom and faith together. Food is essential, featuring smoked ribs and banana pudding, while fireworks light up small towns and front porches. Local parades with handmade floats showcase community pride, reflecting a heartfelt connection to country and home. Beyond festivities, many Mississippians pause to reflect on freedom’s meaning and ongoing work for progress. The holiday embodies unity, gratitude, and hope, making it a cherished, annually celebrated occasion.
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