Sorry if this is duplicate but computer did wierd thing. Question: What is it? These growths are on branches of trees in my yard and neighborhood. Oak and ash junipers. Heard different answers for not bad and bad. So does anyone know what it is? Is it bad for tree or not? these things are on live branches and dead branches. Is there any way to get rid of these growths which are all over the some trees even on top branches. Thanks
This message was edited Jan 8, 2011 10:46 AM
I am not sure, but it appears to be a lichen growth. I have always heard that lichens will grow nearly anywhere, but many will grow on trees that may be stressed from drought, cold, watering issues or soil that is too lean. Here is a link with a bit of info
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/stewardship/pubs/redoaklichens/redoaklichens.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_6668717_control-growing-oak-trees-texas.html
Not lichen - look like airplants Tillandsia species - cool I thought they were mainly central florida south but it appear South Texas is in its range.
I kept thinking they looked like Tilandsia also. It looks like they bloomed not long ago. Do you remember seeing a flower?
I don't think it looks like Lichen. Looks a bit like Tillandsia. Can you take a closer picture? Especially of those dried buds and some foliage?
Thanks. Agree this is not lichen although I did find some on one of my trees. I have researched further and believe it is Tillandsia recurvata. Most interesting Air Plants. Some actually grown indoors as decorative living plants. Google Tillandsia it is most interesting. Found wikipedia site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tillandsia_recurvata and this is what I have on my trees. I have not seen flowers but have been here for a short time and will watch for the flowers of the 'pups' that is what new growths are called. These are called 'Ball moss' a flowering plant not a true moss. It is not a parasite but an epiphyte - no nutrition from its host but physical support. It can hinder normal growth only if there are too many by competing for sunlight. They apparently can attach to anything eg rocks, logs, shells, etc. grown indoors as decorative plants. Google it - some interesting sites.
I appreciate everyone's comments and advice. Believe I have the answer it is alright and for the most part they will not harm the plants. I think I will try to grow indoors might be interesting challenge.
Will provide a few pictures.
First young plants Second Close up and Third will be one more mature no flowers but will watch for them from now on.
Close up of previous picture. Tillandsia recurvata
Take a look at some of these over here...
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1856/
Last shot - a mature Tillandsia ecurvata.
Again thanks for answering my questions and pointing me in the right direction. I feel a little better about these plants and will try to grow them on a piece of wood indoors - should be interesting :)
catzgalore,
That is a nice link. Will refer to this site when I try to grow these as decorative plants. Should be interesting.
Thank you.
Thanks for the upclose photos. I'm trying to gather a collection of Tillandsia and it's nice to see them in their wild form. Although I have this one on my list I can't say I'm envious of your "collection" lol.
tikipod,
Understand. I am not envious of my collection either :) They are throughout the trees from low branches to tops of trees. More noticable during the winter when the leaves fell one can see how pervasive these plants are. At least I now have a relatively good feeling that it probably is not too bad for the trees. I hope to see the flowers someday. What I read about these plants were quite interesting especially possibly having some medicinal value (noted short paragraph wikipedia) and will now have to research this aspect further. One thing leads to another :)
