Small Wonders: Ellaphieae’s Gasteria and Bonfire Moss

Unlikely roommates: Gasteria ellaphie and Funaria hygrometrica

For example, this is a Gasteria ellaphieae sitting in the shade near the “Alien Eggs” (Haworthia cooperi) I shared a short while back.

It looks rather splendid on its own, but the weather has allowed a little colony of Bonfire Moss (Funaria hygrometrica) to pop up and share a bit of the pot with the gasteria.

Normal conditions in this Zone 9 sub-desert are usually way too dry for moss to grow, but this one seems to be doing quite well on its own.

A closer look at the bonfire moss

Where it came from, I have no idea. The gasteria has lived in this pot in this location for at least two years, so I don’t think the moss has been dormant, waiting for conditions to become like a temperate rain forest.

Proof that small wonders can be as delightful as the big ones when given a chance.

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