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Spanish Moss
This image was taken February 14th on the UNCW campus in Forest C. Pictured in this photo is Tillandsia usneoides (L.), otherwise known as Spanish Moss. Interestingly, this is not moss at all, but a flowering plant. This Spanish Moss is native to SE America and Tropical America. Ideal temperature is 70 degrees or higher in the summer and no lower than 60 degrees in the winter. They are found in areas with high humidity, such as near swamps and coastal regions. Oak and Pine trees can be found with the Spanish Moss growing on them for support. They wiry plants reach up to 8m long, if not more. It's stem and leaves are covered with silvery-gray scales, which are used for absorbing water, dust and nutrients. These scales can hold more water than the plant requires, allowing it to survive during any drought periods. The Spanish Moss provides nesting pieces for many birds, as well as habitats for spiders and frogs.
Spanish Moss
This image was taken February 14th on the UNCW campus in Forest C. Pictured in this photo is Tillandsia usneoides (L.), otherwise known as Spanish Moss. Interestingly, this is not moss at all, but a flowering plant. This Spanish Moss is native to SE America and Tropical America. Ideal temperature is 70 degrees or higher in the summer and no lower than 60 degrees in the winter. They are found in areas with high humidity, such as near swamps and coastal regions. Oak and Pine trees can be found with the Spanish Moss growing on them for support. They wiry plants reach up to 8m long, if not more. It's stem and leaves are covered with silvery-gray scales, which are used for absorbing water, dust and nutrients. These scales can hold more water than the plant requires, allowing it to survive during any drought periods. The Spanish Moss provides nesting pieces for many birds, as well as habitats for spiders and frogs.