Spanish moss

Spanish moss

n.

An epiphytic bromeliad plant (Tillandsia usneoides) of the southeast United States and tropical America, having gray threadlike stems drooping in long, densely matted clusters.

---

Spanish moss

n

1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) an epiphytic bromeliaceous plant, Tillandsia usneoides, growing in tropical and subtropical regions as long bluish-grey strands suspended from the branches of trees

2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) a tropical lichen, Usnea longissima, growing as long trailing green threads from the branches of trees Also called long moss

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

Spanish moss - dense festoons of greenish-grey hairlike flexuous strands anchored to tree trunks and branches by sparse wiry roots; southeastern United States and West Indies to South America black moss, long moss, old man's beard, Tillandsia usneoides genus Tillandsia, Tillandsia - large genus of epiphytic or terrestrial sparse-rooting tropical plants usually forming dense clumps or pendant masses aerophyte, air plant, epiphyte, epiphytic plant - plant that derives moisture and nutrients from the air and rain; usually grows on another plant but not parasitic on it