emily_hernandez
More than Chiggers
I never gave much thought as to what Spanish Moss actually brought to the table. After some research, I found that it is much more than a home to little critters. One ecological concept at work here is commensalism in which the moss is provided with a simple home among tree branches while the tree itself is neither harmed nor receiving benefits. The moss takes in nutrients simply from rain, the sun and particles it can use from the surrounding air. The chiggers (little bugs) everyone associates with the plant are not as big of an issue as they may seem as it is said that they only make a home in the moss when it hits the ground. Despite the fact that this is a common plant found in this state and especially along the coast, I thought it was worth drawing attention to because of what the moss tells us about our local weather. While we can clearly tell when it's rainy or sunny, this plant acts as a natural indicator that deserves some appreciation! It is a great water retainer and enlarges as well as changes to a greener color when it is holding water to get itself through drier days to follow. When it is exposed to more sunlight than moisture, it shrinks back and loses the green tone. It is amazing how much you can learn from something that gets so easily overlooked!
Info from: mentalfloss.com/article/67807/10-things-you-should-know-a...
More than Chiggers
I never gave much thought as to what Spanish Moss actually brought to the table. After some research, I found that it is much more than a home to little critters. One ecological concept at work here is commensalism in which the moss is provided with a simple home among tree branches while the tree itself is neither harmed nor receiving benefits. The moss takes in nutrients simply from rain, the sun and particles it can use from the surrounding air. The chiggers (little bugs) everyone associates with the plant are not as big of an issue as they may seem as it is said that they only make a home in the moss when it hits the ground. Despite the fact that this is a common plant found in this state and especially along the coast, I thought it was worth drawing attention to because of what the moss tells us about our local weather. While we can clearly tell when it's rainy or sunny, this plant acts as a natural indicator that deserves some appreciation! It is a great water retainer and enlarges as well as changes to a greener color when it is holding water to get itself through drier days to follow. When it is exposed to more sunlight than moisture, it shrinks back and loses the green tone. It is amazing how much you can learn from something that gets so easily overlooked!
Info from: mentalfloss.com/article/67807/10-things-you-should-know-a...