Spanish Moss

Spanish Moss

Spanish moss is a mop of scraggy hair.

Spanish moss is a vegetation species that is hosted by a variety of trees, and it has no roots or need for soil and it is easily grown from cuttings or broken pieces.
The scientific name of Spanish moss is Tillandsia usneoides, and it is from the family Bromeliaceae, the family of bromeliads.
‘Spanish moss’ is also known as an ‘air plant’, ‘Pele’s Hair’, ‘grey beard’, ‘old man’s whiskers’, and ‘old man’s beard’.
Spanish moss is native to the moist areas of southeast North, Central and South America; and has become a weed in some parts of Australia.
The leaves of Spanish moss have minute scales and appear to be a grey or green colour; and they are quite thin but long, reaching a single millimetre (0.04 inches) in width and 2 to 6 centimetres (0.8 to 2.4 inches) in length.

Spanish moss droops from somewhat shaded or completely exposed tree branches, and the plant can be as long as 6 metres (20 feet).
Nutrients and water for Spanish moss are generally obtained from the atmosphere, including precipitation.
Spanish moss has been historically used for a variety of purposes, including as a filling for mattresses, and it can also be used as a fibre or for shelter insulation, as well as in creative works.
Spanish moss is a common habitat for certain spiders, bats, rat snakes and insects, and is used as nest material for birds.
Small fragrant flowers in blue, yellow or green may grow on Spanish moss in summer, and they produce hairy seeds.

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