Be still my heart!

  Ms. Ez and I headed down to the pier late this afternoon to check on Mark's little skiff.  Last night's clouds dumped a good bit of rain down upon the Bayou and I wanted to make sure the automatic pump was being automatic.  It was and all was well.  Since I wanted to play ball with the old dog, our visit to the pier was short but sweet.  We headed back up to find her old softball.  Just as I stepped off the pier, I noticed a bright splash of orange to my right.  Well, this called for an investigation. Anything bright and pretty during these gray days of fog and rain is a welcome sight.  

  Right in the edge of the marsh, the heart-shaped leaves of a smilax vine stood out in sharp contrast to the tangled mess of reeds and other brush.  I had to smile when I realized that I was actually admiring something that normally would bring a grimace and a few choice words.  If this plant had been growing in my garden instead of the marsh, I would have had the shovel out in a second!  Those big, knotty roots take over any space given a half of chance.  Digging them out is the only recourse when it comes to clearing the garden. If you leave one tiny, tidbit of a root, within a year, there will be a problem.  These vines love to take ahold to a plot of ground and never give an inch. 

  Here, however, I do not mind.  In the marsh, the smilax's large, mass of potato-like roots help to hold the soil in place during tidal surges associated with the frequent tropical storms or hurricanes that plague the Bayou. I have heard tell (but have never tried) that these very same roots can be harvested, dried and ground into a flour.  This can be added to other flours to be used in baking.  Supposedly, the roots are high in starch and can also be used as a thickening agent much like cornstarch is used.  Someday, I will be brave enough to eat the "bane of my garden".  Then perhaps, I shall find it delightful and wish that I have been cultivating them all along.  Until then, however, I shall just be thankful that this plant with its lovely leaves resides in my marsh edge!