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Spartina by Any Other Name

By Captain J. Gary “Gator” Hill

When overtaking a vessel, pass to his port when possible and hail the captain on VHF to let him know your intentions. Photo by Amy Thurman

What we locals call Spartina, just starting to green up. Our beloved editor swears it only starts turning green when spring is nigh. Photo by Amy Thurman “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose adjusting well to the change. From what I gather neither did a By any other name would smell as sweet.” group at a lecture that Professor Hosier was conducting when he

I’m sure you’ll all recognize these classic lines from Romeo let it slip before the change was made official. Professor Hosier and Juliet. A question between Romeo Montague and Juliet said he was met with looks of surprise and disbelief. Capulet, their families being enemies. Today we have another I can understand the shock! Imagine having to change all name conundrum between science and those of us who call the the road signs, business names, recipes and everything else lowcountry home. called Spartina that runs through the low country! Just as the

“What’s in a name? That which we call Spartina tiny rhizome roots from this same plant run through the marsh,

By any other name would smell … like Sporobolus?” holding it together.

Confused yet? If not, you’re ahead of me, and I will do my So, for now, I for one, will continue to call it Spartina. best to make you so. For the last half of the 20th century Spartina alterniflora has become synonymous with our saltwater marshes. Now however, we have to get used to calling it Sporobolus As always, have a blessed life and safe boating, and I’ll See You alterniflora. On The Water.

Spartina, AKA smooth cord grass, gets its name for that very reason, being similar to a type of cord made from Spanish broom (Spartium junceum). It can be found along most of America’s coastline from Texas to New England.

And now it has a new name. In 2014, Spartina was reclassified after a taxonomic revision based on the ground-breaking work of Professor Paul Hosier from the Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington. It is now to be known as Sporobolus alterniflora.

Just like when Pluto was a planet, then not a planet, new research has placed our beloved Spartina into the Sporobolinae genus. I suppose we shouldn't take it too hard as several other grasses, plants and such have been reclassified as well, due to things like DNA-based phylogenetic studies, and taxonomic research.

Sporobolus comes from Greek and means “seed thrower.” Not once have I seen this plant throw its seeds! I guess I’m just not Email: TheOriginalCaptainGator@gmail.com

113 Holcomb

ISLE OF HOPE This wonderful 2 BD 2.5 BA home was originally the location of a dairy farm. Two buildings for living. One two story with a wonderful master suite upstairs with new bath and large closet. Separate “bunkhouse” has full bath, bedroom, kitchen and living area. They are joined by a cozy courtyard and expansive deck. This deck overlooks a back yard for outdoor enthusiasts. Large detached workshop and several outdoor storage buildings. Welcome to the Isle of Hope area. You can walk everywhere. Down to the marina, over to the community pool, along Bluff Dr and views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The community is one of the few golf cart approved areas. This special historic home is for the special lover of beautiful and unique properties. $399,000

36 Scarlet Maple

110 Robin Road

78 Shipwatch Road COTTAGES AT AUTUMN LAKE

Here is a 3BD 2 BA opportunity that does not come along very often. The buyer just closed on this on December 20, 2018. His job is no longer here. We are relisting it. It is priced the same as it was when he purchased. Not many of these are complete at this time. Come be a part of a wonderful townhome community. Lots of amenities. Totally clear home inspection. Gated Community with lots of amenities. Pool, Clubhouse, Fitness Facility. Lake access with walking paths. Close to lots of shopping and restaurants. Completed June 2018. $269,900

VERNONBURG

Perfect home situated on 1.5 acres with beautiful marsh and deep water views. Amazing master suite on the main floor with luxurious bath and huge closet. Two additonal bedrooms on this floor plus two BRs and baths upstairs. Very open floor plan featuring living room, great room, office, dining room, breakfast area and fantastic kitchen. Beautiful hardwood and porcelain floors. Lovely patio. You will fall in love. $639,900 WHITEMARSH ISLAND

Located in The Marshes. This 3BD 3BA is a wonderful place to call home. Large open rooms with two bedrooms on the first floor, great room and family room off of kitchen. Screened porch and deck enhance the amazing marsh views. The second floor has a large bonus room, third bedroom and a bath. Lots of amenities to include a community pool, community dock, and common areas. $399,000

WINDSOR FOREST

This wonderful family home is one of the nicest in Berkshire Woods. Ranch style with three bedrooms and two baths. The master bath has been redone and has an awesome shower. Two master closets. Newly painted throughout. New roof, water heater and newer HVAC. Huge lot on the LaVida golf course. Large bonus room, craft room and workshop. Parquet floors. Just unpack and settle in.

$250,000 6349 Abercorn St. Savannah, GA 912.352.1222

Lyn McCuen 912.224.0927

lyn@coldwellbanker.com www.lynmccuen.com

BURNSIDE ISLAND

This 4 BD, 3 BA home boasts one of the largest non estate lots on the island. Over an acre. Lots of beautiful camellias and mature flowering vegetation. Very open GR and a beautiful fireplace. Sun Room off the GR. Three BRs, 2 B on the first floor. Bonus is fourth BR and has its own private bath. Kitchen has eat in area with exposed brick. Gas stove. Plenty of outdoor storage. Lovely Pergola over a large outdoor deck area. Oyster Party Haven. This is a family home, ready for your personal updating. Great island living. Golf cart approved community. Optional Assoc. with annual picnic and golf cart parades. $389,000

505 Moon River

BURNSIDE ISLAND

OMG!! 4BRs, 3BAs. That is all you can say about these views over the marsh and Vernon River. The sunsets alone are breathtaking. This traditional Low Country home is located on 2.8 acres and has views out of every window. Inground pool and screened porch overlooking the view as well. This estate is perfect for the discerning owner with privacy and lots of potential for gardens or a family compound. Burnside Island is a unique island with single family homes and lots of walking, riding, etc. Golf cart approved island. Owner may apply for membership in the Burnside Island Yacht Club on the Intracoastal Waterway. $799,000 REDUCED

281 Shipyard

MIDTOWN

Wow!! No lots like this in Parkside. 4 total lots with amazing outdoor space. This charming bungalow will draw you in and make you want to settle in for life. Two bedrooms and bath down and a fantastic master suite and sitting area with bath on second floor. Hardwood floors and contemporary kitchen. There are two outdoor screened areas. Detached single car garage with lots of extra storage. Parkside is such a welcoming community with lots of friendly neighbors. Walk to Daffin Park for the dog park, watching games or enjoy the Banana games and fireworks. Ready for you now. $375,000

1205 E. 51st Street

TYBEE ISLAND

Neverending views of the Atlantic Ocean with amazing sunrises. 3 BR, 3.5 BA custom built home has all of the details that you desire. Ironwork, high end Gourmet kitchen, master suite, soaring ceilings and elevator are just a few of the special traits. Open floorplan with space for entertaining. Master Suite has private balcony, huge dressing room and luxurious tub with adjoining FP. Step directly out of the LR to the screened porch and adjacent walk way to the beach. $2,190,000

3 6th Terrace

Located in a Scenic Historic District; Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

The Best of Savannah, Georgia!

Complimentary Loaner Cars

Drive in minutes to local restaurants, grocery stores, West Marine, and a Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Dockside Amenities

• Complimentary High-Speed Wi-fi • 30 - 50 - 100 amp electrical service • 4,000 feet of floating concrete docks • 600 feet of deep water face docks • Gas and diesel facilities • Pump-out station

Marina Amenities

• Complimentary loaner cars & bicycles • Ship’s store and laundry facilities • 2,000 sq. ft. overwater pavilion • Private restrooms and showers • Seasonal swimming pool