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Ball Moss
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Ball Moss

Tillandsia recurvata

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameBall Moss
DescriptionFascinating rootless epiphyte that forms spherical, gray-green clumps on tree branches, power lines, and fences without harming host plants. Despite its name, not a true moss but an air plant related to Spanish moss and pineapples. Tiny violet-blue flowers emerge from the center of rosettes in spring, though the plant is primarily grown for its unique spherical form and minimal care requirements.
FamilyBromeliaceae
GenusTillandsia
TribeTillandsieae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula⊕ ⚥ K3 C3 A6 G(3)

Radially symmetrical, bisexual, 3 free sepals, 3 free petals (often violet-blue), 6 stamens in 2 whorls of 3, 3 fused carpels with superior ovary typical of Bromeliaceae

Features
  • Name 'Ball Moss' refers to its spherical, ball-like growth habit when multiple rosettes cluster together. 'Tillandsia' honors Swedish botanist Elias Tillandz. The species name 'recurvata' describes the recurved (backward-curving) leaves
  • Small tubular flowers in violet-blue or purple emerge on thin green stalks from rosette centers. Each rosette blooms once, then produces offsets (pups) before dying. Individual flowers are tiny (0.5 inch) but fragrant, blooming spring through summer
  • Epiphytic perennial that grows on other plants for support but is not parasitic - it absorbs water and nutrients from air and rain through specialized leaf scales (trichomes). Forms dense, spherical clumps 4-6 inches across over time
  • Individual rosettes grow 2-6 inches tall and wide. Clumps can reach 6-12 inches diameter. Lifespan of 2-5 years per rosette, but clumps persist indefinitely through offsets. Reproduces by seeds and vegetative pups
  • Native to warmer regions of southern United States (Texas, Louisiana, Florida), Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Grows naturally on oak trees, mesquite, and even man-made structures like power lines
  • Thrives in bright indirect light to partial shade with high humidity (50-70%). Requires minimal care - no soil needed, absorbs moisture from air. Tolerates drought but benefits from occasional misting. Hardy to 20°F (-7°C)
  • Not parasitic - does not harm host plants, though heavy infestations can add weight to branches. Used in terrariums, mounted displays, and as living decorations. Helps indicate good air quality as sensitive to pollution

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificTillandsia recurvata
English (Alternate)Tillandsia Recurvata, Small Ballmoss, Small Ball-Moss, Ballmoss, and Bunch Moss
Hindiहरिता (Harita), मॉस (Moss)
TamilThuththi (துத்தி)
Teluguనాగలింగం (Nāgaliṅgaṁ)
Malayalamസ്രാങ്ങു പൂവ് (srangku pūv)
Kannadaಕಾಡುಬಸಳೆ (Kadu Basale)
Sanskritतिलकश्री (Tilaksri)
Bengaliকান্দারলী (Kandarali)
Frenchmousse de ball, mousse à ball
Russianурчавый Тилландсия (Kurchavyi Tillandsiya)
Spanishlor de musgo bola, flor de tillandsia recurvata
GermanBall Moos, Tillandsie Recurvata

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.