Florida is an exceptionally diverse state with a very unique climate. Our climate here in the sunshine state is equivalent to that of an equatorial rain forest! Because of this, we have an amazing array of flora and fauna. Here in Florida we have 16 species of air plant. Some are endangered due to a Mexican Bromeliad Weevil attack many years back. Here is a quick pictorial guide to the 5 most common airplants we have native in Palm Beach County. 1. Spanish Moss While not actually a moss, Spanish Moss is an airplant who most commonly lives on Live Oak and Bald Cypress trees. It drapes down sometimes many feet, and many animals use it to build nests. These strange plants produce very tiny insignificant flowers. Spanish Moss is also quite notorious for being a hide out for the chigger parasite. Always take caution to wash your hands after handling it! 2. Ball Moss Ball Moss, which is also not a moss, is almost like a compact Spanish Moss. As the name suggests, it grows in a small ball and can put out small flowers. This plant can be anywhere from golf ball size to soccer ball size. Some used to use ball moss as animal feed. 3. Cardinal Airplant This airplant is definitely a stand out because of the beautiful and colorful flowers it produces! Sadly the cardinal airplant (also known as Wild Pine) is endangered due to the Mexican bromeliad weevil outbreak many years ago. An interesting fact about these epiphites: Plants that grow in the shade sport leaves that are broader and longer, but in the sun, they are smaller and more colorful. 4. Northern Needleleaf The Northern Needleleaf is a smaller airplant with bright colors and beautiful pink flowers. These guys have flexible leaves that curl down. As the plant ages, the leave curl together more and more until they for a big ball of knots! These in particular have a symbiotic relationship with ants; they provide the ants with a shelter and the ants fertilize the plant. 5. Potbelly Airplant The Potbelly Airplant, as the name suggests, is rather pudgy in comparison to its long-leaved cousins. This plant stays smaller, and has leaves that tend to curl instead of spread. Something interesting about the way the Potbelly reproduces is that it only flowers one time. After it flowers once, and never again, it produces tiny "daughter" plants from the base, which drop off of the "mother" plant.
1 Comment
Sandy Moore
3/29/2019 02:21:52 pm
What about air plant leaves that grow tiny roots> We used to pin the leaves to curtains and roots would form on the edges.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
About Me
~ An artist who loves nothing more than to share her passions with the world ~ Categories
All
ArchivesCategories |