Daily Botanical: Tillandsia (Austin, Texas)
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.
March 24th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
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
March 24th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I would have said, “commonly called the hated “ball moss” by locals.”
March 24th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
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.
March 25th, 2008 at 9:41 am
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.:^)
March 25th, 2008 at 9:41 am
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.:^)
March 25th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Priscilla: People just refer to it as moss but technically it is a Tilladsia and a member of the Bromeliad family.