Marimo Moss Ball - 'Chladophora aegagropila'
Marimo Moss Balls are known as a 'living pet' as it's a spherical plant that actually grows and are known to live 100+ years in nature. Some joke that Marimo Moss Balls get become a family heirloom (though it can be feasible given its easy care and low maintenance).
Marimo in Japanese means 'seaweed ball' and though it has the appearance of moss, hence the name 'moss ball,' the Marimo Moss Ball is actually an algae that radiates its growth from the center, averaging 5mm of growth annually though they have been observed to grow even faster in natural waterways in nature.
We utilize Marimo Moss Balls in different ways here at Hakkai. Some of our teammates have used them as an "instant carpet" or "instant foreground" when torn apart and placed right over hardscape in a low-tech aquascape. The Marimo Moss Ball is very versatile and many people use them in varying methods, ranging from a key-chain charm to being placed inside mason jars with stones and pebbles as a tabletop decor.
Sold individually in two sizes:
Small: 1" - 1.5"
Large: 2" - 3"