BALL MOSS (Tillandsia
recurvata)
Despite its common name, "ball moss" is not a moss at all, but a flowering plant of the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae). It grows as an epiphyte on a wide range of plants in the central and western parts of the Baja California desert of Mexico, where winds from the Pacific Ocean carry moisture-laden air. It forms a tangled mass of leaves and aerial roots, which are dry and grey coloured for major parts of the year. But the leaves rapidly hydrate and turn green when exposed to moisture.
Ball moss is not parasitic, but simply uses other plants as "perches" on which to grow. In fact it can grow on telegraph wires or other objects. However, it would benefit from inorganic nutrients that wash down the surfaces of other plants in rainwater or dew.
A related plant, Tillandsia usneoides, is called Spanish moss and is seen commonly on trees and other supports in coastal regions of southeastern USA - for example around New Orleans. Some of the Tillandsia species have become popular for indoor decoration - sold as "air plants" in garden centres and florists. |
