Defination of X'Mas Moss and Taiwan Moss

**jerryC** · 24th Dec 2004, 01:05

Fellow Forumers,

I'm a bit confuse on the mosses label as Taiwan Moss, X'Mas and Erect Moss. It is clear that Erect moss clears its equation that illustrate itself from growing upwards.

Over here in M'sia we have a fair bit of uncertainty that I would like to address here. What I have made to understand that in Taiwan X'mas moss is a different than in M'sia and S'pore called it. Their X'mas moss is somewhat growing vertically upwards alike erect moss. In M'sia "San Jiao Mossier" (Mandarin) is where we recognised as x'mas moss. Then comes Taiwan moss where is hereby labeled as a category/species by itself.

I'm still waiting for my new camera to arrive and was told that it will be in my hands by next week. So until then I don't have any picture/photo to show you.

Then recently there is this mini moss that I have (Still growing) which obtained emerge state. Now it is growing submerge... I guess time will determine the exact species.

I appreciate your guidance.

thanks in advance.
jerryC

**timebomb** · 24th Dec 2004, 15:28

Jerry,

First of all, you must understand that there's no authority on common names. Common names, as the term implies, mean exactly that. The same plant could be known by different common names in different countries, depending on how commonly the names are used in that country. For instance, the plant Elatine triandra is commonly known as APP (Ah Pek's Plant) in Singapore but I've never heard of hobbyists elsewhere using such a name.

Before the Christmas Moss became known by this name, it was commonly called Taiwan, Triangular or 3-sided Moss by the fish shop owners. Fish shop owners also have the habit of calling all mosses that are imported from Taiwan as Taiwan Moss so it can be quite confusing sometimes. As for Mini-Moss, the professor has identified them to be the same as Singapore Moss.

The picture will be much clearer if we call the mosses by their scientific names. A few of us already know but we can't disclose the names until the professor's scientific paper is published. That is expected to happen sometime next month but we can't be sure as the paper was delayed several times.

If you ask me, the real confusion is over Taiwan Moss. We know it's a Taxiphyllum but there are now, at least 3 species of Taxiphyllums and they all are imported from Taiwan. So which is the genuine McCoy? That's going to be a headache, even for the professor

.

Loh K L

**jerryC** · 24th Dec 2004, 23:29

Timebomb,

Yes I agree with you that there isn't an authority to determine the factor of common names. At least in S'pore you have the prof that is keen to help but here in M'sia is sadly not so interactive.

BTW, I have noticed from one of the posting here on Mini Moss found in one of the LFS shop name Engineering something something... What kind of moss is that?

I'm now in a tight situation where I don't have any more space to house anymore plants. Yesterday I received my X'mas present which is 2 unique plants from Taiwan.... I only know the common name, Taiwan Rambutans. Will search on the actual name later. And I don't have anymore space to hous ethem. I have to extract some plants out to give room for them.

I wish you and everyone in the forum Mevy Mevy X'mas and have a great new year.

**timebomb** · 27th Dec 2004, 21:12

Originally Posted by jerryC

BTW, I have noticed from one of the posting here on Mini Moss found in one of the LFS shop name Engineering something something... What kind of moss is that?

Jerry,

Engineering System & Control calls the moss in their display tank Mini-Christmas. You can see a picture of the moss here.

Fish shop owners in Singapore use many names for their mosses. Besides those already mentioned, I've also seen Tropical Moss and Mini-Taiwan. One thing though, local fish shop owners are reluctant to use the "Singapore" name, reason being once it's called "Singapore Moss", it won't sell

Loh K L

**jerryC** · 29th Dec 2004, 13:48

Timebomb,

So the mini moss from System and Control is actually " S'porean Moss"?????

**timebomb** · 29th Dec 2004, 16:13

Originally Posted by jerryC

So the mini moss from System and Control is actually " S'porean Moss"?????

Your guess is as good as mine, Jerry. As far as I know, System E & C sells a moss they call Mini-Christmas which the professor has already identified to be a species of Taxiphyllum. They also have another moss which they call Mini-Moss but it wasn't given to the professor for identification.

I'm in no position to confirm if it's really Singapore Moss but if you read between the lines.......

Loh K L