Say hello to the humble Marimo moss ball! These fuzzy little balls are commonly found on the floor of fresh water lakes across the world. Although they are named moss balls, they are actually a form algae which becomes ball shaped as the movement of water rolls them across the lake bed. Marimo Moss Balls are said to be a symbol of true and everlasting love due to the Japanese legend of Senato and Manibe. It is a tale of forbidden love between the daughter of a Chief and a commoner. After their tribes prohibited their union, the young couple ran away to Lake Akan. Some say the couple fell into Lake Akan and became Marimo Moss Balls. Whilst other versions say the lovers happily lived out their lives together and their spirits became Marimo Moss Balls. Moss Balls can live to be hundreds of years old and have become a symbol of love that can endure the wear of time making them a fantastic gift to your soulmate 💚 Whether or not they are chosen for their symbolism, Marimo are also sought-after gifts due to their cute fluffy appearance bobbing in corked jars. To care for a Marimo Moss Ball simply change out the water once a fortnight with distilled water and place in bright, indirect light. Roll between your hands occasionally to mimic rolling over the bottom of a lake. #meaningfulgifts #marimo #marimomossball #plantshop #plants #growurban #edinburgh #plantsasgifts