Marimo, Japanese 毬藻 (まりも), are a
variety of algae found in lakes in Japan, Iceland and Estonia. They consist of an aggregation
of alga. The rolling action of gentle tides causes
them to form into round green balls with a velvety
appearance.
Their scientific name is Cladophora aegagropila
and they belong to the Cladophora sauteri group.
They were first discovered in the 1820s by
Dr. Anton E. Sauter in Lake Zeller , Austria.
They are sometimes sold in aquaria under the
name Japanese moss balls, although in
Japan they are a protected species . It is said that if you take good care of the plant, it will make your wish come true.
The growing speed of Marimo is about 5mm per year. In Lake Akan, Hokkaido, they grow particularly
large, up to 20-30 cm (8-12 inches).
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