Philonotis hastata

Description

Philonotis hastata is a small, common moss found in subtropical and tropical regions. It grows as dense cushions or lawns consisting of thin, upright yellow-green or pale green plantlets that repel water. The moss forms on wet substrates or floats on stagnant water surfaces, developing brown rhizoids. Philonotis hastata does not survive underwater. This tiny moss is often found in greenhouses and occasionally enters aquariums, where it appears spontaneously on the surface or on objects like driftwood and filter mats. It reproduces by small, modified branchlets (gemmae) that detach from the mother plant and float away. Philonotis hastata can be an aesthetically pleasing addition to open tanks or paludaria, adding a natural touch to the aquascape.