Spanish Moss
(Tillandsia usneoides)
Many of the trees in the resort we stayed at during our winter vacation in Florida had a lot of Spanish Moss aka Florida moss, long moss or graybeard hanging from them. I thought it was rather pretty and would have liked to bring some home. Spanish moss is not a true moss but rather an epiphytic plant which grows on other plants. Unlike parasitic plants, Spanish moss does not rely on the host plant for nutrients as it makes it's own food. Unlike symbiotic plants, Spanish moss does not provide a benefit for the host plant either rather in some cases it can be damaging to the host plant by over-shading the leaves or damaging the host branches if the weight of the Spanish moss becomes too heavy. This plant prefers moist environments but will survive in drier climates as well. It is commonly found in cypress trees.
Happy Gardening!
Garden Gnome
©2006-2009
Spanish Moss is pretty but do be careful red bugs live in the moss and are no fun !
ReplyDelete