Family: Bromeliaceae
Author: (L.) L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2.: 410 (1762)
Year: 1762
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Tillandsia
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America
Description
Ball-moss, scientifically known as Tillandsia recurvata, is a unique and intriguing plant belonging to the family Bromeliaceae. Its origins trace back to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, where it thrives abundantly in its native habitat.
This fascinating species, first described comprehensively in 1762, is an epiphyte, meaning it typically grows upon other plants. Despite common misconceptions, Ball-moss does not derive nutrients from its host plant; instead, it absorbs moisture and nutrients from the air through specialized scales on its leaves. This distinctive characteristic allows Ball-moss to flourish in environments where soil-based nutrients are scarce.
Ball-moss is characterized by its small, spherical clusters of grey-green leaves that curl and twist. These leaves not only provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance but also play a crucial role in the plant’s survival by maintaining moisture balance. The plant exhibits a remarkable resilience to varying climatic conditions, making it a common sight across the tropics and subtropics of the Americas.
In its natural habitat, Ball-moss can often be seen dangling from tree branches, power lines, and other structures, illustrating its adaptability and low maintenance requirements. It thrives in well-lit conditions but can also tolerate partial shade, adding to its versatility. The plant occasionally produces small, delicate flowers, which contribute to its ornamental appeal.
Understanding the ecological role of Ball-moss is essential, as it serves as a microhabitat for various small organisms. It can help in the study of ecological interactions and biodiversity within its ecosystem.
In summary, Tillandsia recurvata, or Ball-moss, is an exemplary member of the Bromeliaceae family, notable for its epiphytic lifestyle and adaptation to the tropical and subtropical environments of the Americas. Its growth habit and ability to thrive in minimalistic conditions make it a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Common Names
Eng: small ballmoss, ball-moss, ballmoss, bunch-moss, old man’s beard
Spa: tillandsia recta o heno pequeño
Swe: bågtillandsia
En: Ball-moss, Bunch-moss, Small ballmoss, Ballmoss, Old Man’s Beard
Es: Tillandsia recta o heno pequeño, Sachasunca, Clavel
Sv: Bågtillandsia
Synonyms
- Tillandsia uniflora (Kunth)
- Renealmia recurvata (L.)
- Tillandsia pauciflora (Sessé & Moc.)
- Tillandsia monostachya (W.Bartram)
- Tillandsia recurvata f. minuta ((Mez) A.Cast.)
- Tillandsia recurvata var. genuina (André)
- Tillandsia recurvata f. major (André)
- Tillandsia recurvata f. minor (André)
- Tillandsia recurvata f. brevifolia (André)
- Diaphoranthema recurvata ((L.) Beer)
- Tillandsia recurvata var. contorta ((André) André ex Mez)
- Tillandsia recurvata f. contorta (André)
- Tillandsia recurvata f. elongata (André)
- Diaphoranthema uniflora ((Kunth) Beer)
- Tillandsia recurvata var. minuta (Mez)
- Tillandsia recurvata var. ciliata (Mez)
- Tillandsia recurvata f. caespitosa (André)
- Tillandsia recurvata f. argentea (André)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Aruba (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- Chile North (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Netherlands Antilles (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Texas (native)
- Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Jun 16, 2019 by Pozzi Leandro (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 2021 by Dario Chavez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2013 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 29, 2015 by EOL − Efren Trejo (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 5, 2016 by EOL − Jonathan Carpenter (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Mar 13, 2016 by EOL − Mike Leveille (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 14, 2015 by EOL − Lidia Carlton (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 29, 2012 by Pierre Bach (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 19, 2017 by vini (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Dec 23, 2018 by vini (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 7, 2020 by Secio Andre (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 31, 2016 by EOL − Laura (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 7, 2014 by EOL − Jaico Caballero (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 23, 2020 by Aguiar Valter (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2015 by EOL − Angel Fernando Valentinez Villaseca (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2013 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)
Other
Taken Mar 26, 2009 by Pierre Bach (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Yeshua Jiménez Ortega (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 4, 2022 by Christina Evilsizer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 27, 2015 by EOL − Amber (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tillandsia recurvata (L.) L.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2695588)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1194855-2)