Our Mississippi Home

Southern Prickly Ash – The Thorns Warn

Published

1 year ago

February 11, 2024

ourmshome.com – Mark W. LaSalle, Ph.D. – 2024-02-11 10:54:51

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.

Read the full article

The post Southern Prickly Ash – The Thorns Warn appeared first on ourmshome.com

Related Topics:Featured Mississippi News Our Mississippi Home

Up Next

Spirit of Southern Selected to Perform at Regional Conference

Don't Miss

Actor Jeremy London Calls Mississippi Home

Our Mississippi Home

Sweet Tradition: The Watermelon Carnival Returns to Water Valley This August

Published

9 hours ago

July 18, 2025

Staff Editor

ourmshome.com – Meredith Biesinger – 2025-07-18 09:50:00

SUMMARY: The Watermelon Carnival in Water Valley, Mississippi, celebrates its 51st year on August 2–3, attracting around 20,000 visitors annually. Originating in 1931 during the Great Depression to uplift the community, the festival paused during World War II but was revived in 1980. Now a two-day event, it features live music, a 5K/10K run, craft markets, a pancake breakfast, car shows, games, raffles, and a traditional Festival Queen Contest. The celebration culminates with a grand parade and fireworks on Main Street. Recognized as a Top 20 Southeastern festival, it embodies community spirit, history, and Southern summer joy.

Read the full article

The post Sweet Tradition: The Watermelon Carnival Returns to Water Valley This August appeared first on ourmshome.com

Our Mississippi Home

USM Center for Fisheries and Research Development Gearing Up for Shark Weekend

Published

3 days ago

July 15, 2025

Staff Editor

ourmshome.com – University of Southern Mississippi – 2025-07-15 14:00:00

SUMMARY: The University of Southern Mississippi’s Center for Fisheries and Research Development (CFRD) and the Mississippi Aquarium are hosting Shark Weekend on July 26-27. This annual event features interactive stations where visitors can learn about shark species native to Mississippi’s coast, shark research by USM, and the ecological importance of sharks. Dr. Jill Hendon, CFRD director, highlights Mississippi’s diverse shark populations and the center’s long-term research on shark biology and conservation. The Aquarium emphasizes sharks’ vital role in marine ecosystems and the need for protection. USM also offers related educational programs, including Sea Camp, Shark Fest, and a Shark Biology course, engaging enthusiasts year-round.

Read the full article

The post USM Center for Fisheries and Research Development Gearing Up for Shark Weekend appeared first on ourmshome.com

Our Mississippi Home

The Shoebox Started in Mississippi? Here’s the Story Behind It

Published

4 days ago

July 14, 2025

Staff Editor

ourmshome.com – Meredith Biesinger – 2025-07-14 11:55:00

SUMMARY: The shoebox, a common item worldwide, holds a surprising history linking a Scottish inventor and a Mississippi entrepreneur. In the 1870s, Robert Gair, a Scottish-born printer, invented the mass-producible cardboard box. Later, in 1884 Vicksburg, Mississippi, Phil Gilbert revolutionized shoe retail by selling shoes in matching left-right pairs inside these boxes, improving customer convenience and retail presentation. This innovation quickly spread nationwide and became the standard. Beyond packaging, shoeboxes now store memories and crafts, symbolizing thoughtful retail design. What seems simple today began as a clever idea in a small Mississippi shoe parlor.

Read the full article

The post The Shoebox Started in Mississippi? Here’s the Story Behind It appeared first on ourmshome.com