Tillandsia recurvata on ocotillo
Mexican ball moss is not a true moss. Like its close relative, Spanish moss, it is a member of the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae).
These spherical masses can grow to the size of a soccer ball. Most of the increase in size of the sphere is from the development and growth of pups, or vegetative offsets, as each individual plant is quite small (perhaps 15cm (6 in.) tall). Considered unsightly by some, Mexican ball moss is also sometimes wrongly thought to be parasitic and therefore damaging to the supporting plant. It is readily apparent by its success in growing on power lines and fence wires that it does not need a host plant in order to prosper; any suitable branch-like support may work, although there are indeed habitat preferences (see: Habitat preference of the epiphyte Tillandsia recurvata (Bromeliaceae) in a semi-desert environment in Central Mexico by Bernal et al. in Canadian Journal of Botany, 2005, 83(10): 1238-1247).
The native range of Tillandsia recurvata spans the warmer areas of the Americas on either side of the equator, reaching as far south as northern Argentina and Chile, and as far north as southeastern Arizona in the USA.
The plants in today’s photograph are in fruit–one of the slender capsules near the top of the frame has started to dehisce (open). The evidence to-date points to dispersal of the seeds by wind instead of birds or other animals.
I traded retirement for volunteer teaching in rural Guatemala. I see this Tillandsia on the power lines here. I have transplanted it to my garden to live with my orchids in their hanging baskets.
Thanks for mentioning a fav plant. How about some of the myriad gingers? I have 10 or 12 different genera, including turmeric. Heliconia is one of my favorites.
Gracias,
Anne
Cool. Were you a teacher before?
This is more common in South Florida than Spanish Moss. Ball Moss favors Live Oaks and it can often be found on small fallen branches in Fairchild Garden’s parking lot at the staff entrance.
that’s a terrific photo, Daniel! thank you for this wonderful series.
It would be really interesting to know more about seed dispersal in these species- are the seeds coated with some kind of adhesive? As if these are distributed by wind- what are the chances of the seeds adhering to the branch it lands on before falling off?
Here’s a photo of the seeds with the fine hairs:
http://www.bio.utexas.edu/courses/bio406d/images/pics/brm/tillandsia_recurvata.htm
Thanks, Daniel. I grow Tillandsias for fun (in Wisconsin) and it is always nice to see them in situ with habitat information.
Is this, or something related, what I see growing on power lines in south Florida?
Yes, according to Everett above!
What a fun entry….I can easily see the “Tilandsia-ness” here, but while Tillandsia usneoides is graceful, this one is amusing. I love the fruiting bodies, they add a certain zany something. I recognize the ocotillo from AZ, but I don’t remember seeing the Tilandsia – maybe I didn’t make it quite far southeast enough. Next time!