Monday, January 30, 2012

Misty Monday - Spanish Moss

Tidal Marsh, Daniel Island, SC  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view)


Heavy Live Oak branches
 draped with Spanish moss hang over this tidal marsh on a fogging winter morning. Spanish moss is not actually a moss or lichen, but an "air plant", an epiphyte, that gathers nutrients and moisture from the humid air of southeastern US climates. It has a fondness for Live Oaks and Bald Cypresses, because these trees have foliage that provide abundant mineral nutrients. Creatures such as birds, bats, snakes and spiders make their homes in the pendant air plant, because it's a "cool" place to "hang out".

Spanish moss is also closely associated with the imagery of Southern Gothic folk tales and literature.

27 comments:

  1. Wonderfully atmospheric. I've seen Spanish moss in photos before but never knew, or even thought about, what it might be. Thanks for enlightening me. Have a good week.
    WV is 'Tactowse' - sounds like someplace down in the bayou.

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  2. Reminds me of cyprus louisiana and i do miss these sceneries!

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  3. amazingly beautiful composition

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  4. this is a delicious piece of eye candy!

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  5. Ha! Indeed, it's a cool place to hang out. ;o)

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  6. Spanish moss is so beautiful. This image almost looks like an impressionist painting.

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  7. Alluring and mysterious! Almost surreal! How I admire your compo and rendering!:-)

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  8. reminds me of my -in-laws neighborhood in Florida!

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  9. It looks so mysterious...wonderful photo, Doug! I never knew the name of this moss vsriety, even if I saw a lot of it in Canada.

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  10. Good picture of a creepy tree.

    Greetings,
    Filip

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  11. The hanging mosss and the rising grass reach out across the mist/fog. Nice shot.

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  12. Gorgeous, ethereal image. I love it.

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  13. So interesting and exciting tree.

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  14. Ethereal picture and comprehensive explanation.
    Good job, Doug!

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  15. This shot is a masterpiece Doug. I'm also a sucker for some good biology/science so this post has everything.

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  16. Absolutely wonderful ! great landscape

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  17. Wow, great shot! Very special scenery!
    Many greetings and have a nice rest of the week!
    Yvonne & Raphael

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  18. The real expression of sadness!! Great shot!
    Have a nice day.

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  19. I really like this shot. Great composition and perfectly focused.

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  20. These Spanish was clever, jjj, met good trees like oak and gave shelter to small animals
    Good shot, I realy like it.

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  21. they look fine in daylight, not so in nighttime.. :D nice shot!

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