Moss is an ancient and abundant plant found in many different environments and climates. It's vital to the ecosystem and has numerous uses for humans. We invite you to learn all about this plant.
What is moss?
These plants are a group of vegetables composed of many species, all of which have the characteristic of being non-vascular, in addition to developing in considerably cold and humid environments, especially in shade trees , rocks, walls and soil.
It is no surprise that these plants have a lot of resistance against the complicated atmospheric changes in the environment, which is precisely why their different species are quite common in almost any region of the planet.
In the visual aspect, these plants do not turn out to be at all attractive to people, who even associate them with aging and helplessness, since they cover neglected surfaces in many types of environments, even those that are in use.
However, that doesn't prevent them from often being used as decoration, giving a landscape an antique look and adding a touch of green, which for many can be the perfect complement to a garden or natural space. Not to mention their incredible properties and the importance of their existence.
They lack very few characteristics that make them similar to other types of plants, which is why experts consider their structure quite different. Among these characteristics, moss does not produce seeds or flowers, and it is not the roots that absorb moisture, but rather the surface of the plant.
Usually these species are quite small, keeping their height very close to the ground or the surface on which they are formed, however, despite not growing much, they can cover an extremely large surface, where the most important thing is that they do not receive direct sun and high humidity.
In addition, we can also highlight that the roots are not even considered as such, since they fail to meet the common characteristics that other plants have. They have the ability to reproduce both sexually and asexually.
History
Moss is one of the oldest plant species on Earth, as studies show that it is over 360 million years old, meaning that it existed on the planet even before the existence of animals and prehistoric beings.
For experts in plant life, it has been quite difficult to find fossil records of mosses , since their small and delicate structure prevents their record from being preserved for so many years, and even if this were possible, it would be extremely difficult to identify them.
Until now, the most consistent evidence that exists dates from approximately 270 million years ago, however, there are speculations that some ancient records formed 455 million years ago are directly related to these species.
Experts believe that at that time, the organisms belonging to the plant kingdom had begun to expand and reproduce, in order to spread to all parts of the world.
Moss Classification
These species belong to the bryophyte plants, being a huge group made up of at least 1.200 species, where the phylogenetic relationship between all of them is not 100% proven, but there are enough studies to associate them with each other.
Of this group there are 8 officially recognized genera, where most of these species can be identified, in addition to helping to separate the marked differences that each class has. The genres are as follows:
- sphagnopsida: To this belong two orders, characteristic for being extremely old.
- takakiopsida: These species can be found from North America to some regions of Asia.
- Andreaeopsida: They do not tend to stand out from the other species of moss, but they have several characteristics by which they can be recognized.
- Andreaeobryopsida: Species are kept remarkably separate from other families, classes, and orders.
- Tetraphidopsida: It is divided into two genera, which in turn are divided into 2 species.
- Bryopsida: Curiously, this class contains almost all the species, being a total of 95% of the moss, so they tend to be more abundant on the surface.
- Polytrichopsida: These are usually considerably larger than the others.
- Oedidiopsida: Many experts doubt its relationship with these species, however, there are studies that show that it has a direct relationship with the tetraphidopsida.
What is its life cycle?
Many may assume that the life cycle of this type of plant is complex, however, that perspective is completely far from reality, since at the beginning it corresponds to being a simple cell that grows and develops over time. time, until the time comes when it manages to become an organism fully capable of reproducing.
Moss cells are composed of only one set of chromosomes, unlike other organisms that have more. The moss life cycle begins with the sexual cell called a spore, which is responsible for dispersing, sprouting, and developing.
Once fertilization has occurred, development begins and the first filament forms. From this filament, the plant's gametes also develop, progressing until they are fully mature. Based on this process, sac-like structures form on the moss , easily blending into its overall structure, and it is within these sacs that the reproductive cells are stored.
It's worth noting that water is essential for moss formation ; without it, growth is impossible. Once the spore-storing sacs have formed, the life cycle begins again.
What is its habitat?
As we mentioned earlier, moss is a very resistant plant, capable of adapting to regions with a wide variety of climates; however, in order for them to develop, they must have a considerable amount of water in their environment.
They can be found in many regions of the world, especially in humid and cold spaces, regardless of the location of the place. The most common environments for its development is in jungles or forests, which are shady spaces with a high level of humidity.
However, some species have managed to adapt and survive in desert environments, so much so that they have even been seen attached to stones that are completely exposed to sunlight.
A very curious fact is that some moss species need to develop in a specific type of soil and environment, such as those that only develop in soils with a high level of acidity, or there are also those that grow in copper deposits, which also help to indicate the presence of that metal.
To expose a more general point of view, we can mention that many of these vegetables are completely aquatic, or are formed on coasts, between stones, caves, stagnant water and even there are those that only grow in urban areas, where each one of these species, although very similar, are completely unique.
There is a species of moss that is quite well known and famous, although it is very difficult to find, since it forms in caves, dark holes, root deposits and other areas that are totally dark, but what stands out about this species is that it appears to have a rather beautiful greenish glow, which is generated by the little light to which it may come into contact.
moss cultivation
We have already mentioned before that this type of plant is very common in various types of environment and can be found in many regions of the world, however, depending on the type of type of place it is, these can be developed quite abundantly or, its growth can be slowed down by external factors.
For example, there are many countries and cultures where these species are not appreciated at all, so people use different methods to stop their growth and spread.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGjWVHaN8CQ
However, in other countries that maintain a different culture and perspective on these plants, they are allowed to develop as much as they wish; an example of this can be the country of Japan, where mosses are very common in botanical gardens, temples and green spaces.
It should also be noted that it is extremely difficult for moss to develop through artificial cultivation, as it can be very sensitive to certain environments and when it does not reach these environments naturally, then it is very difficult for it to develop in them.
Despite this, moss spores manage to reach many places, so as long as these spaces have the necessary characteristics for their development, then the formation can take place without any interruption.
Ways to stop moss growth
For many years, the human being has found and perfected several methods that help to stop the growth of this vegetable, these are the following:
- Giving direct access of natural light to the growing area.
- Reducing the level of humidity and the entry of water, as well as facilitating drainage in the soil.
- Sprinkle mineral lime on the ground to alter the pH level.
- Allow the growth and expansion of other plant species that obstruct the development of the moss.
- If there is a lot of movement in the growing area, either from human traffic or the use of tools, then the plant will not be able to develop.
- In specialized garden stores there are chemical products that help to eliminate the growth of the moss.
It must be taken into account that although the growth of the plant is slowed down, it can grow again in the same land, unless all the favorable factors that allow its formation and development are eliminated.
What function do they have?
Mosses are among the first species to invade rocky areas and, as they develop on the rocks , they transform their surface, producing a substrate on which other larger plants can grow, thus increasing and facilitating plant development.
It is completely common to find them in the form of very humid jungle covers, however, they also grow on tree trunks and branches.
Moss plays an essential role in ecosystems, as it maintains moisture and prevents degradation, and also provides protection for smaller invertebrates, allowing them to hide and move around.
On the other hand, the way in which these plants are collected in an indeterminate way is seriously damaging the landscapes, which is why they should only be collected by people who have the relevant permits to do this type of work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXqCTdevpHc
importance of moss
This plant is very important to nature, as it provides many benefits to the environment, where mosses , like other bryophytes, fulfill a very important function in ecosystems, all thanks to the following aspects:
- These are spacious and can hold up to 20 times their weight in water, absorbing surplus water as rain falls and releasing it little by little in times of drought.
- In addition, they also absorb and retain minerals diluted in rainwater, allowing them to integrate into the environment and reducing their runoff into oceans and rivers.
- The moss they also provide a place to inhabit a huge number of small animals, especially invertebrates.
- In addition, they function as nesting material for some birds and small mammals, as they can easily adhere to surfaces.
- The moss and other species of bryophytes have the ability to gather atmospheric nitrogen through bacteria, greatly helping with the introduction of this element into the ecosystem. That is why it is stated that the moss and other plants contribute to natural reforestation.
- In the rain forest and in the environment where some species of moss, the communities of this type of plants manage sponges that normalize the course of the seas and rivers, protecting the soil from very strong floods and regularly providing water during the months of the summer season to the rivers and streams that they empty them
moss trade
There is a very important market for wild moss , as it is used for flower gardening and also for home decoration, while the moss found in a state of decomposition of the Sphagnum class is the primary element of peat, which is then used as fuel.
Furthermore, it can also be added to the soil in agriculture and used to smoke malt during the production of Scotch whisky. This moss is generally harvested while it is still actively growing and then dried, with the intention of using it in nurseries and horticulture as a medium for sowing seeds.
However, currently the moss grows to a large extent, generating concern and great concern throughout the planet, since this plant represents a big business for many people, thanks to the trade that exists with it.
This, in turn, can also represent a significant environmental disaster that can be caused by the commercial harvesting of peat in disproportionate quantities.
It is worth noting that it has been of great importance for many years, since during the Second World War it was used to make preparations for first aid treatment, such as for wounds of injured soldiers, because these mosses are highly absorbent and have mild antibacterial qualities.
Some populations in ancient times also used them as diapers for their babies, thanks to their high absorbency. On the other hand, there is also the case of rural areas in the United Kingdom, where moss was commonly used to extinguish fires.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrIrY8jdzTg
All this because it ended the fires and was very easy to obtain in abundance right on the banks of rivers with confined flows and the moss was kept in large quantities of water which was very helpful when extinguishing the fire.
Now, in Finland they have been used for many decades to be used in food, such as bread during times of famine.
How can I use moss to decorate?
In the rainy months, both the trunks of the trees and their walls, in addition to the rocks, are covered in an incredibly beautiful way, like a green carpet that measures just one or two centimeters.
All this means that moss is a plant that has the quality of giving a beautiful green touch to landscapes, in addition to some flowerpots, although it can also be placed on the surface of a ground and will look very beautiful.
Mosses are characterized as plants that do not have vascular tissue, flowers, or fruit; we cannot even say that they have true roots, although these plants are also the first terrestrial plants that varied and colonized other regions of land with high humidity.
These plants have stems that can be called caulidia, since they don't actually have a true stem; their leaves are very similar to buds. Mosses generally reach a height of no more than 10 centimeters, yet they can cover a large area, growing on rocks and even walls.
They can grow anywhere that contains plenty of moisture and is sheltered from direct sunlight, although it should also be noted that mosses wither completely during periods of severe drought; however, once it rains, they turn green again.
nurseries for moss
Mosses were used briefly in ancient times, where people went to collect them, resulting in the creation of moss nurseries in many gardens in some parts of England and North America.
These nurseries were made of wooden slats and had a flat roof, which means that they were open on the north side, which allows shade to be preserved there.
The moss samples were placed in the cracks between the wooden slats, where this nursery helped to constantly moisten the plant, since in this way they could keep it in the right conditions for it to develop healthy and strong.
Moss as plant decoration
If we need this vegetable to decorate the plants, it is always recommended that they be bought in nurseries, garden stores or online stores, which specialize in carnivorous plants, since in these places they will know which is the best type according to our needs.
It's not recommended to collect any moss you might find in the field, as this could jeopardize the balance that keeps it alive. However, it's worth noting that this is a non-parasitic plant, meaning it won't cause any harm to your crop.
In any case, adding a little moss on top of the substrate surface can help to enhance the beauty of bonsai or other plants in the pot, and it also helps to maintain the humidity needed in our cultivation.
In order to survive, we must keep it moist, meaning we must water it constantly. However, this also means that moss cannot be placed on all plants, only on those plants that require high humidity to survive, such as aquatic or semi-aquatic plants, kokedamas, and some types of bonsai.
These can also be used as a sole substrate for carnivorous plants, especially in the case of Sarracenia, as these plants need a high level of humidity to be able to live.
There are several options that could work excellently for decorating your plants with moss , such as the ones we mentioned:
kokedamas
Kokedamas are plants whose roots are wrapped in moss . These plants are used as hanging decorations, and with proper care, they can be very beautiful and serve as a decorative element.
Bonsai and accent plants
Moss is placed on bonsai trees specifically when they are going to be displayed; however, it can also be used to cover the plants that accompany them, which are accent plants, such as the fern.
Terrariums
These can even be made using recyclable items, such as a bottle, box or empty aquarium, which means we can transform any of these items into a terrarium for our moss.
All you need to do is place some peat with a layer of moss , some stones that must be placed appropriately, and then you just need to water the plant continuously; in this way, you can create a landscape similar to a mountain, but very small.
