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Mississippi is known as “The Magnolia State” due to the state flower and tree, which can be found in various colors throughout the region. Magnolias are a genus of shrubs and trees that have been around for nearly 100 million years and can be found in various parts of the world. While some species are hardy, others require specific conditions to grow. Mississippi has other nicknames, including “The Bayou State” and “The Eagle State.”
The state quarter of southern Mississippi has had a major bouquet of magnolia blossoms, the state flower and tree since 1952. The distinctive magnolia blossom, with broad, hardy petals in a myriad of colors, can still be found on trees throughout the bayou and byways of Mississippi. When referring to the state, many refer to it as “The Magnolia State.”
Grouped under the genus Magnoliaceae, which was officially cataloged by Frenchman Pierre Magnol, the magnolia could be any of about 200 species of shrubs and trees found in the southern United States. Some shed with the seasons, while those further south are generally more evergreen. According to anthropologists, the magnolia genus has been around for nearly 100,000,000 years, which is older than even the bees and other flying insects now required to cross-pollinate their often massive flowers.
The evergreen Magnoliaeae grandiflora, is an iconic and prominent example, with its glossy leaves and white flowers giving the leeward breeze a distinctive aroma. Another prominent variety found in “The Magnolia State” is the saucer magnolia, or Magnoliaeae soulangeana, with more vibrantly colored flowers. The figo species blooms in purple, and other species sport yellow, red, or light pink flowers.
While surprising, many magnolia species are not as hardy as other locales such as oaks and pines. It takes up to a decade to mature enough to blossom. Others, however, such as grandiflora species can thrive in dry soils such as beach sand. Most others require heavily fertilized soil, regular water, pruning, and full sun to achieve consistent and substantial growth.
“The Magnolia State” is a nickname that could have been used to describe many geographical regions. Magnolia species are native to large swathes of the American east, though mostly in the South. They are also found in parts of Asia, Central and South America, and even the island nations of the West Indies.
Mississippi is named after its most prominent natural feature and nicknamed “The Magnolia State” for another feature. However, the state is not limited to these names. “The Bayou State” is another popular name, listening to the rural and backward flavor of the state. Other common nicknames are “The Eagle State” or “Border-Eagle State,” as the state coat of arms features that native animal. This state is also known as “Mud Waddler,” “Mud Cat,” or “Groundhog State” – all references to common fish or fauna found throughout the state.
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