Spanish moss is neither Spanish nor moss. But the iconic Southern plant has an interesting history.

LISTS
In this episode of The List Show, Mental Floss editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy traces some of the most common myths we've gotten from movies.
Need a better word to describe what ails you? Look no further than this list of old, unusual ways to describe your aches, pains, and whatever else is happening in your body.
The enigmatic physicist at the center of Christopher Nolan's newest film may have come to regret being known as the “Father of the Atomic Bomb.”
Not all Japanese game shows feature life-threatening challenges, and not all ramen lovers slurp loudly. Let's debunk a few more misconceptions about Japan.
The best back-to-school products can help make your return to the classroom a little easier come fall.
These 20 bands each took their names from the pages of classic works of literature by the likes of C.S. Lewis, William S. Burroughs, Charles Dickens, and beyond.
From Europe's smallest castle to a fortress built into a cliff, these unique castles all break the mold.
Before you hit the highway, be sure to stock up on these van life essentials that’ll make your next adventure even more enjoyable.
In the coming decades, five princesses are expected to ascend the thrones of Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.
Whether you think of watermelon as a fruit or a vegetable, you’re correct. Discover more fun facts about watermelons here.
From a portable litter box to a calming plush toy, the best pet travel accessories take the stress out of planning trips with dogs and cats.
From ‘Seven Samurai’ to ‘The Matrix,’ these are the best action movies of all time, as chosen by Variety.
Although we’re probably still a long way off from the sentient forms of AI that are depicted in film and literature, we can turn to fiction to probe the questions raised by these technological advancements.
9. Michael Caine didn't think the film would work ... until Heath Ledger was cast as The Joker.
Precious stones like the Cullinan Diamond, the Tiffany Diamond, and the Koh-i-noor Diamond have troubled histories.
The f-word is often thought of as the most useful and flexible word in English. Whether that’s true or not, the term is so successful that it’s spawned dozens of euphemisms. Here are a few of them.
Here’s how to pronounce ‘Elie Wiesel,’ ‘Cixi,’ and 13 other famous names from history.
For one, Barbie was inspired by a German doll of a high-class call girl.
From sunscreen to tiny umbrellas, the best summer products can help you enjoy everything under the sun this season while still staying safe.
While this deceptively simple portrait has clearly captured the imagination of the nation, the story behind its creation and rise to fame makes it all the more compelling.
The biggest birds on Earth stand taller than the average human and have the attitude to match. Here are 10 intimidating-looking species from around the world.
One of the most fascinating figures to ever live was born 246 years ago.
If you want to take your Spanish to the next level (or el siguiente nivel), why not brush up on these idioms?