I still can’t get over the fact that tillandsia grows in the shade trees of Austin, Texas. It is only March of 2008 and I have already learned more about tillandsia from observing it growing wild on these last few trips then I knew previously through years of experience growing them in my home. Proof-positive that I need to take more trips. For the learning!
Incidentally the tillandsia I saw in Austin is Tillandsia recurvata which is commonly called “ball moss” by locals.
If you like the ball moss, you’d LOVE the Ressurection Fern that grows on the limbs of the old oak trees…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resurrection_fern
I would have said, “commonly called the hated “ball moss” by locals.”
That’s what that stuff is. We have those here in San Antonio, Texas too. I was wondering if it was part of the tree. That’s interesting that it’s actually moss. I can image it would be a nuisance. At the dog park the dogs will carry it around when it falls of the trees.
I have heard different stories on the ball moth.Some say it will overtake a tree and kill it and others beg to differ and say it is actually trying to heal a tree.Does anyone know the true story as I have recently spotted ball moth on my cedar tree in Cedar Park, Texas.:^)
I have heard different stories on the ball moth.Some say it will overtake a tree and kill it and others beg to differ and say it is actually trying to heal a tree.Does anyone know the true story as I have recently spotted ball moth on my cedar tree in Cedar Park, Texas.:^)
Priscilla: People just refer to it as moss but technically it is a Tilladsia and a member of the Bromeliad family.