Young stand of bald cypress trees (Taxodium distichum) in a swamp near New Orleans, Louisiana. Cypress, a needle-leaved deciduous conifer, is one of the most flood-tolerant tree species and is often found in pure stands. Cypress knees, suggested adaptations to flooding, are a unique feature of this species. Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides), hanging from the branches (foreground), and duckweed (Lemna spp.), covering much of the standing water, are common plant associates in this palustrine, forested wetland. See page 1424. [C. J. Richardson, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 22706]

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