(Aegagropila Linnaei, Lake Goblin, Moss Ball Pet, Lake Ball, Caldophora Ball)

History

Since they were first descriped scientifically in the 1820s by an Austrian Botanist, Marimo have been found across many sites where they have formed in the shallow waters of lakes most commonly in Japan, Iceland and Northern Europe.

However, Marimo have been in decline in more recent years and in a lot of areas where they naturally form they are now protected. Nowadays, you will most likely find them in Lake Akan in Japan and a smaller quantity in Lake Myvatn in Iceland. As such, commercially available Marimo are usually obtained from specialised growers to protect the wild Marimo from being overharvested.

The Marimo Moss Ball is not actually a plant, and is in fact formed from a rare green algae (Aegagropila Linnaei). It is not even distantly related to a moss.

Legend/ Folklore

Marimo Moss Balls are often gifted as a symbol of love and are very popular on Valentine’s Day. However, they are also given platonically to demonstrate affection and to show how much you care about someone. Over the years they have grown in popularity as a thoughtful gift, that is really simple to care for. They can often live in excess of 100 years, and are therefore gifted by some as family heirlooms.

The representation and symbolism of the Marimo Moss Ball is derived from a beautiful story of the Ainu people of Hokkaido Island where Lake Akan is.

In a short summary, folklore tells the story of a beautiful tribe chief’s daughter and a handsome commoner who secretly fell in love. When they approached the tribe chief to tell him of their love and desire to be together, the chief forbade their love and banished them from seeing each other. A couple of days later, the star-crossed lovers ran away to the forest which legend suggests was home to many mythical creatures and unknown magic. Some say that together they lived out the rest of their lives here, and decades after their escape Marimo appeared as a reflection of their undying love and strength. Others suggest that whilst fleeing they fell into the lake and the Marimo were formed from their hearts, eternally floating together in the lake waters.

This beautiful story is similarly echoed in Icelandic folklore where two lovers were unable to be together during their natural lives, and following their death their souls found their final resting place as Marimo, symbolising their everlasting love, happiness and devotion to each other.

Care

Quite simply Marimo require very little care and attention, which only improves their desirability as a perfect and unusual gift.

Marimo should be kept in cold water (tap water is fine), and water changes should be completed every couple of weeks, or when the water looks dirty.

The Marimo should be kept out of direct sunlight. If they start to turn brown, it is highly likely that they are receiving too much daylight. Place the Marimo in a fridge for a few days, this will help to restore it.

If the Marimo start to lose shape, gently roll the ball between your fingers to maintain the roundness.

When the Marimo is mature, it can produce smaller ‘nano’ balls of which can be propagated as you wish. In addition Marimo can be cut into smaller pieces and rolled to form more Marimo.

Marimo are very slow growing, and grow a maximum of 5mm per year. In their natural habitat they can eventually grow up to 8 to 12 inches in diameter, however, in enclosed conditions, such as a terrarium it is only likely to reach 2 to 5 inches in diameter.

Semi-precious Stone Meanings

All Marimo Moss Terrariums produced by The Shabby Sheep Shop, come with a base layer of semi-precious stone for the Marino to sit on. Therefore these terrariums can provide additional meaning for that extra special gift.

Here is a list of the basic properties of each of the stone types available.

Agate Stability, Calm, Peace and Protection.

Bloodstone Courage, Wisdom, Noble Sacrifice and Selflessness.

Green Aventurine Strength, Confidence, Courage and Happiness.

Red Strawberry Quartz Growth, Passion and Sexuality, Love and Affection.

Tiger Eye Confidence, Strength and Courage.

Obsidian Protection and Grounding.

Amethyst Peace, Calmness and Wisdom.

Green Jasper Growth, Expansion, New Beginnings, Nourishment and Health.

Fluorite Balance, Joy and Harmony.

Approximate dimensions:  Small - H 9cm x W 7.5cm and Large - H 21cm x W 9cm