Does not obtain any nutrients from the tree Mistletoe ( shown here) IS a parasite.

Parasitism – when 1 species (parasite) feeds on part of another species (host) by living on or in it for a large portion of host's life. Mutualism – both species benefit by associating with each other. Commensalism – One species benefits by living in proximity to another species. The other species is neither helped nor harmed.

Non-mutual relationship between organisms where one organism, the parasite, benefits at the expense of the other, the host.

Two organisms of different species exist in a relationship in which each individual benefits

Relationship between two organisms where one organism benefits without affecting the other.

Some species interact in a way that helps one species but has little or no effect on the other. Figure 7-10

Ball moss is : A true plant with flowers & seeds. An epiphyte- a plant which grows on another plant but does not depend on it for water or nutrients. Water and nutrients are derived from the air, rain, dust, etc.

Yes, Ball Moss is related to the Pineapple ….and to other beautiful Bromeliads.

Water and nutrients are absorbed from the rain and air by the leaves and stems. A ball moss …. Prefers low light intensity Low air movement High relative humidity ….just the conditions found under the canopy of shade trees!

Ball moss fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere and eventually adds it to the soil. Ball moss harbor little bugs which are food for several kinds of small birds. Provides home for a variety of insects and small animals. Can be used as feed for livestock animals.

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient to all plants. Nitrogen (N 2 ) from the atmosphere is converted, by nitrogen fixation, to a form plants can use: ammonia. Normally plants cannot do this themselves; it is done by bacteria in the soil. There are some nitrogen fixing plants; mostly legumes. So … the nitrogen fixing ball moss actually enriches the soil with usable nitrogen when it falls to the ground and decomposes.

Ball moss has shown significant anti-tumor and HIV/AIDS applications in vitro as well as in animal studies. Dr. Henry Lowe of Jamaica has applied for a U.S. patent for a ball moss extract which induces tumorous cell death.

Some experts believe that heavy infestations of ball moss might possibly: Block sunlight to lower tree limbs increase limb breakage from added weight reduce production of new shoots.

It is typical to find ball moss on the interior dead branches of older live oak trees. At first observation one could easily assume the ball moss were causing the death of these branches. However, these interior branches most likely died from lack of sunlight ( due to shading by the canopy leaves) not as a result of ball moss attachment. The ball moss are merely colonizing an area suitable for their growth. Tree death may be caused by root damage, drought, disease or other factors.

Some people believe ball moss detracts from the tree ’ s natural beauty.

Ball Moss Lab Safety first! Be a good member of the “Land Ethic” community …second. Sketch Ball Moss in Ecosystem. Note observations. Collect specimens Return to class for dissection and observation. Return organisms and Ball Moss to outside. Clean up!