Page 37 - Intra Muros December Issue 2024

GARDENING

Bear
Bearded lichen (Usnea longissima) ) Spanish Mo ss
de
Spanish Moss
Usnea longissima
d lichen (
Tillandsia have small white protrusions on their are familiar with, and the one most often Water and nutrients are absorbed mostly
leaves. These structures are called trichomes seen. It is a fast grower, eventually forming through the leaves, while the roots serve
and exist on all air plants. Trichomes are very long strings or bunches that are a collection an anchoring purpose. These roots are not
important for air plants because they’re used of hundreds or even thousands of little plants. sufficient to keep a mature plant in place, so
for absorbing moisture and nutrients. Take care the plant has to be secured to the support
not to damage them. Spanish Moss is not native to South Africa. by using a fastening material. When new
It usually requires dappled shade in our basal fronds are produced, they will hide the
In their natural habitat, Tillandsia take in water suburban gardens. fastening material.
derived from rain and dew. However, they
cannot survive on humidity alone. Bearded lichen (Usnea longissima), found A very important part of Staghorn ferns
along the mist belt, is often confused with (Platycerium bifurcatum) are the attached
While many Tillandsias are very drought Spanish Moss. This lichen is slow-growing and brown leaves or fronds that look like parchment.
tolerant, they will go dormant and will not thrive is rarely found because of pollution and loss Do not remove these as they protect the
if they are not watered properly. Tillandsia of habitat. plant and store water and nutrients. The tiny
flower only once. Consult an expert on how to whitish-grey scales on the green fronds slows
care for your Tillandsia. Staghorn ferns transpiration.
These plants are so named for their frond
The well-known species Spanish Moss (Tillandsia shape, which mimics deer antlers. They need Some epiphytes can tolerate more extreme
Usneoides), often called Old Man’s Beard, is good air circulation and high light intensity, conditions, so it’s important that you choose
probably the species of air plant most gardeners but not direct sun. the correct species for your area. Many of them
can be grown in a small space, horizontally or
vertically, and require very little attention.

References:
• https://www.lifeisagarden.co.za/staghorn-ferns/
• https://www.lifeisagarden.co.za/sassy-soilless-
gardening/
• https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/
AJA00423203_3094
• https://www.thegardener.co.za/the-gardener/air-
plants/air-plants-2/#google_vignette
• https://www.bromeliads.info/tillandsia-bromeliad
• www.orchid-tree.com
• https://liveplantcollections.biology.duke.edu/
featured-collections/epiphytes

Tel: 012 804 1807 |Fax: 012 804 0278
Web: www.garden-group.co.za
Email: admin@garden-group.co.za

Staghorn f
Staghorn ferns
erns

INTRAMUROS DECEMBER 2024 | 35