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Tillandsia recurvata
Moss that grows in power lines, it's common to see this especially in rural villages. From where does it gets the nutrients to live? Ball Moss, is a flowering plant (not a true moss). It derives only physical support and not nutrition from its host, photosynthesizing its own food, receiving water vapor from the air, and obtaining nitrogen from bacteria.
I think you are right, Luis. But I would acknowledge in the description that it is actually neither related to moss or lichen. It's actually an "air plant," as others formerly notioned.
Thanks to Leuba, jgorneau y Cacilia. J, I think I have found the right ID.
Please check this link and let me know what you think.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tillandsia_....
It mentions all you have said.
Yes, but I think in your case the miss doesn't have much to hang down from, which would result in the balling up of the plant you see.
Jgorneau, thank you for the ID. But I think spanish moss grows and forms long beard flowing down from the branches and the "moss" in this spotting stays in this form (balls) always.
Thank you Leuba for the picture link, as I was saying,is a common sighting in little towns in Mexico
According to wikipedia, "Spanish moss is colloquially known as 'air plant.'"
From what I have read, they feed off nutrients in the air.
Notice the open seed capsules located in your picture and that of the wikipedia link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_mos...
Luis, here's a picture similar to yours-there are others. I do think they are air plants
http://www.flickr.com/photos/earthworm/4...
Spotted on Mar 11, 2012
Submitted on Apr 14, 2012
+1
