Wild ginger finds a fertile home in the crotch of a tulip poplar tree.
Above the ginger, the twin poplars soar into the blue above,
while a community of mayapples thrive in the shade below. Also known as mandrake because of the shape of its root, the mayapple has long been coveted for its medicinal uses. Settlers learned from the natives how to use this plant for ailments; today over $200 million worth of medications made from the mayapple are produced for use in chemotherapy for several types of cancer (source: Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Steven Foster and James A. Duke--one of the Peterson Field Guides).
Orville's old home on the right fork of Joe's Run. The epitome of simplicity.
Orville's old home truly looks like the cabin on the hill.
ReplyDeleteI did not know Mayapples were used in medicine-thanks for telling me!
It is a lovely little place, tucked into a holler all its own. It was the homeplace of Dan Simons too; Orville married Dan's sister and lived there for many years after her death. He surprised us all by remarrying in his 70's. He's gone now, but I remember him well and miss his cheerful smile and the way he'd tip his hat.
ReplyDeleteAnd oh, he could dance! That mountain flatfoot, with such grace and ease.