Seattle - May 06, 2009

Oh, Grow a Pair

Marimo Balls

Furry balls never really grabbed you. Nor did petting, squeezing, or naming them.

Until you got your own.

Marimo look like perfect little green spheres of moss but are actually a rare species of algae found only in Iceland, Japan, and Estonia that can live for more than 200 years.

The soft, fuzzy orbs make great adopted organisms for those who lack the instinct to nurture. Each requires a mild dose of indirect sunlight and should be submerged in water that need be changed just once a week. Marimo grow (slowly) according to the volume of the container they’re in, so they won’t alarm (or disappoint) in size.

Touching and playing gently with the balls is perfectly acceptable.

They’d never be dick enough to call you a tease.

Available at The Palm Room, 5336 Ballard Avenue Northwest (206-782-7256).