A birder ( is that a word ) friend took this photo in Florida,at Ft DeSoto State Park,just soutth of St Petersburg,Fl on 12/31/05. Is this a tillandsia.? the tree appears to be a palm of some sorts?
Photo attempt failed; Made it on the 3rd post down. Please see the ID request below!
This message was edited Sep 30, 2006 8:02 AM
Please ID
Well! it looks like I totally flopped at posting my first photo! Help! Anyonee? Poppop
Thanks for the help Texas Lou.
20051231_0026.jpg
That is Tillandsia recurvata, second only to Tillandsia usenoides (Spanish moss) in its northern range. Notice the ripe seed pods. All Tillandsias (Guzmanias and Vrieseas too) have winged seed that is dispersed through the air a bit like dandelions.
Dave.
Dave,
I appreciate it very much. I thought it was a till. ,but wasn't sure. I guess that seed landed in a crevice on the palm and that was home. Thanks again, Poppop
Hmm...I guess I never thought about what the northern range for ballmoss was. That stuff is everywhere in Florida! I don't think there's a tree without some growing on it. I've heard some people say ballmoss killed their trees. Of course, we all know they're not parasitic, but I guess some people think an abundance of ballmoss blocks the tree from getting enough light. I've never seen that problem here, but I think we have enough hurricanes to knock the moss off the trees periodically. Of course, then I get to pick it up off the yard. By the way, poppop, I saw a bunch of native tillandsias on my last walk through the wetland preserve here. I'll take pictures when I get my digital camera back (Mom took it).
Mellie, I look forward to seeing those pictures. I hadn't thought about it,but this Ft DeSoto Park must be in your area of Florida. The friend who took this picture was down there visiting a son,and photographing birds. Poppop[
Ft. DeSoto is pretty near. I haven't been there in a long time, not since I was in Girl Scouts. I saw two horseshoe crabs mating on that beach and I've never been quite the same, LOL! I think I'll have to start planning a trip...
I have not been to Ft. DeSoto for years it's beautiful brought back great memories Thanks !