South Carolina has a rich native flora that stretches from the mountains to the sea. There are species of intricate beauty, such as the yellow fringed orchid; species of cultural significance, such as the palmetto; and still others like bald cypress and southern magnolia that have become familiar landscape specimens the world over.
With over 600 varieties displayed throughout the garden, MFBG exhibits what is possibly the largest and most diverse assemblage of South Carolina genotypes in cultivation. Numerous collecting trips to the swamps, rivers, forests and roadsides of this state provide the germplasm to grow this collection. The emphasis is on coastal plain species, though many piedmont and mountain species are represented as well. This collection is intended to instill an appreciation for our plant heritage, preserve rare species or genotypes and test and select little known or used plants for horticultural merit.