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Vesicularia montagnei (Schimp.) Broth.
| Family Name: | Hypnaceae |
| Common Name: | Christmas Moss, Xmas Moss |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Mosses & Allies (Non-Vascular Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Aquatic & Hydrophyte |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | South America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Aquatic |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | An aquatic epiphytic moss, it can be grown submerged in water. The rhizomes have a creeping growth form. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The fronds which drape over each other slightly are long and triangular in shape, consisting of lateral branches arranged in a regular fashion, giving it a Christmas tree-like look. The shape of the individual leaflets is rounded to ovate with a cuspidate leaf apex. |
| Cultivation | It is ideally grown under partial sun, in water pH levels of 6.0 to 7.5 and in water temperatures of 22 to 28°C. It can be grown, free floating or attached to pieces of driftwood or rock. When attached, it brings out the beauty of the moss as the shape of the triangular fronds are more pronounced as compared to when the plant is grown free floating where it will have less organised look and less pronounced fronds. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It is commonly used in freshwater aquariums and can be grown on a a plastic mesh to form a moss wall in an aquarium. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water |
| Propagation Method | Division |
| Plant Growth Rate Remarks | It is a slow growing plant. |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Type | Compound |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31432 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5829 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |