Spanish Moss

1. Tillansia
2. Spanish Moss

The Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides), commonly known as 'airplant,' is an epiphyte that clings to trees. Unlike most plants, it does not have true roots; instead, it absorbs water and nutrients through its leaves. It does not harm its host plants by depriving them of nutrients, except that the weight of the moss can sometimes cause branches to break. Historically, the Spanish moss has been used as packing material and shipped across the country.