Related Topics: [ wetlands] Perhaps the most peculiar aspect of the Sphagnum mosses is the way in which these plants develop. For the Sphagnum mosses, growth and decay occur concurrently. The portion of the plant which is visible above the waterline may appear green and healthy, while shortly below the waterline, it may be brown and in the process of decaying. This pattern of growth has two effects: First, the individual mosses are able to grow in extremely close proximity. It is this proximity of growth more than anything else which accounts for the development of the extremely resilient bog mats. Secondly, the continuous deposition of dead plants and plant parts allow for the development of peat at the bottom of bogs.
A moss growing in bogs and peat.
Genus of mosses which, when decomposed in bog conditions, is called sphagnum (or moss) peat. In fresh form it is used to line hanging baskets, or, finely chopped, added to orchid compost.
a water-loving moss common to bogs and swamps.
type of moss used as a soil amendment in its partially decomposed form, or as a rooting medium in the propagation of trees by air layering
a specific kind of moss that usually forms deep peat.
A bog moss which is collected and composted. Most peat moss is composed primarily of sphagnum moss. This moss is also packaged and sold in a fresh state, and used for lining hanging baskets and air layering.
Any of the mosses of the genus Sphagnum.
Sphagnum is genus of between 150-350 species of mosses commonly called peat moss, due to its prevalence in peat bogs. Members of this genus can hold large quantities of water inside their cells; some species can hold up to 20 times their dry weight in water, which is why peat moss is commonly sold as a soil amendment. Peat moss can acidify its surroundings by taking up cations such as calcium and magnesium and releasing hydrogen ions.