Where does sphagnum moss grow? Sphagnum moss

In swampy areas, areas where there are a large number of bodies of water, various specific plants grow. Many of them have useful and unique properties. Sphagnum moss is quite common in the forest zone. A photo of where this “natural sponge” grows (as its name is translated from Greek) is presented below. The name was given due to its hygroscopic properties.

General information

Green mosses belong to the main groups of mossy plants. Most of them are brightly colored. Sphagnum moss is quite easy to distinguish. He looks much paler compared to the others. Often in the forest belt you can even find white sphagnum moss. It becomes colorless if it is dried. The “sponge” has no roots. The lower part of the plant turns into peat over time. Rotting does not occur due to substances with bactericidal properties. Sphagnum moss can be found, in principle, everywhere. However, it is most common in the northern hemisphere of the planet. Favorite places are wetlands, shaded, damp places. In these areas, mass reproduction of the “sponge” is observed.

Description

It should be said that the structure of sphagnum moss is similar to other representatives of the species. During the growth process, unbranched, erect shoots are formed, which are collected into pillows or dense turfs. Their height, as a rule, is no more than five centimeters. There is no real stem. The elements that correspond to them are called phyllidia and caulidia. Through the gaps between these parts, most of the salts and water necessary for normal life enter. Phyllidia usually consist of a single cell layer. Rhizoids play the role of roots. Through these branching multicellular filaments, water with beneficial compounds dissolved in it is absorbed from the soil. However, with age, rhizoids lose their ability to “conduct” and serve only for support and anchorage in the substrate.

What is sphagnum moss?

Like vascular representatives of the flora, the species in question alternates between the asexual generation (sporophyte) and the sexual generation (gametophyte). The latter is represented by a photosynthetic green plant. Gametes are formed in the genital organs (gametangia). Male gametangia are called antheridia, female gametangia are called archegonia. From the zygote (fertilized egg) a sporophyte emerges - the spore generation. Mossy plants have virtually no chlorophyll. Sporophytes remain attached to the gametophyte, receiving nutrition from it. Each cell contains a diploid (double) chromosome set. The gametophyte has a haploid (single) chromosome structure (as in gametes). From two single sets, when the sperm and egg merge, one double set is formed. It is necessary for the development of the sporophyte. During spore formation, meiosis (reduction-type cell division) occurs. As a result, each spore again becomes haploid. Then it can germinate into the same single gametophyte. A thread-like branched structure is formed from the spore. It is called protonema. Buds begin to form on it. Gametophytes subsequently develop from them.

Distribution mechanism

How does sphagnum moss grow? Where does sponge grow best? The extent of spread primarily depends on the composition of the soil. The most favorable environment is poorly ventilated soil with a low pH. Sphagnum moss is a plant common in shaded areas, under trees, on shaded parts of buildings, paths, and monuments. It should be noted that growth occurs very quickly. And if in the forest zone mossy plants make up the natural landscape, then when they appear in personal plots, a lot of problems and obstacles are created for the development of other representatives of the flora. In this regard, you should more often think about ventilation of lawns, paths, and facades.

Mechanical methods of combating the “sponge” on a personal plot

One of the main reasons for the growth of moss is considered to be insufficient soil ventilation. To ensure ventilation, you should penetrate deep into the soil, while ensuring air access to the lower layers. If the weed has not spread very much, you can remove it manually. To do this, it is enough to dig up each of its bushes. Proper mowing of the lawn is of considerable importance in preventing the spread of moss. It is this that affects the ability of the turf lying at a depth of about 8 cm to retain air, moisture and fertilizers. As already mentioned above, when high humidity a very favorable environment is created for the spread of the "sponge".

Chemical methods

Fertilizers can also help in the fight against moss growth. Mixtures that help reduce soil acidity are suitable for this. Experts recommend giving preference to complex products for treating decorative lawns. These fertilizers usually contain three components: nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Such mixtures have a double effect. First of all, thanks to the properties, the death of mossy growths occurs. Secondly, due to the presence of nitrogen, grass growth is activated. If you apply fertilizers to moist soil, the death of mosses occurs faster. As practice shows, a decrease in soil acidity is observed just two days after treatment. In spring or summer, only mossy areas should be sprinkled. In case of widespread plant distribution, the entire area should be fertilized. However, you should not overuse fertilizers. The mixture can be used no more than once every 2 months. Experts advise reducing soil acidity in autumn period. As a result, the alkaline composition of the soil will be ensured throughout the winter.

A simple way to get rid of the spread of the "sponge"

Very effective means To combat moss on facades or monuments, use regular soda. Its solution creates an alkaline environment that is harmful to it. It should be said, however, that if part of a building or monument is located in a shaded area, then reappearance sphagnum cannot be avoided. Therefore, you will have to clean it regularly. You can use powders specially designed for these purposes. You can buy them at gardening stores.

Sphagnum moss. Application

"Sponge" has a number of useful properties, thanks to which it is used in various fields. In medicine, use began in the 11th century. And by the 19th, sphagnum moss began to be sent to the provinces for use as a dressing material. During the war, it was an indispensable remedy, having high hygroscopicity and the ability to quickly and easily absorb pus, blood and other liquids. Some companies today produce sphagnum-gauze swabs, which are additionally impregnated with a solution of boric acid. Moss contains sphagnol, a phenol-like compound. This substance has a bactericidal, antifungal and disinfectant effect. Humic acids, also present in the plant, exhibit antibiotic properties. The use of sphagnum insoles promotes quick deliverance from foot fungus. For infectious skin lesions, psoriasis and other pathologies, baths with moss infusion are recommended. To prepare, cut a small amount of “sponge” and fill it with water (70-80 degrees). Sphagnum is used as a filling for diapers and mattresses. It is recommended as a padding diaper for the elderly and seriously ill.

Use in horticulture and animal husbandry

Flower growers use moss when growing young shoots or to save sick specimens. Due to the hygroscopicity of the “sponge”, moisture is effectively retained in the substrate. The plant is especially often used when caring for orchids. To grow shoots, moss is scalded, cooled and squeezed. After it should be poured with the prepared mineral liquid lux, squeezed out again lightly and placed in a plastic bag. It must be kept closed for four days. Every two months, the orchid should be replanted in the soil freshly prepared in this way. When its roots reach five to seven centimeters, the plant is placed in pine bark substrate. Sphagnum moss is also used to protect plants from frost. personal plot. As a hygiene product, sphagnum is used in cages with hamsters, rats, and guinea pigs. This natural filler perfectly copes with odors, disinfects and absorbs moisture.

Blank

When collecting moss, you should not pull it out along with the lower part. For correct preparation The top is trimmed with scissors. In this case, the remaining part will be able to sprout. The collected moss at home must be doused with boiling water. This is done to eliminate insect larvae and eggs. In this case, the properties of moss are not lost. The raw materials are dried on outdoors in sunny weather with a slight breeze. Dryers are not recommended. If the preparation is carried out for subsequent use in medicinal purposes, then the raw materials are kept in the air until completely dry. After this, it is broken and placed in a dry container. If it is intended to be used in decorative purposes or as a filler for animal cells, the plant should not be dried completely. In this case, the raw materials are stored in newspaper. You can keep dry moss in freezer. They put it there green and take it out when necessary.

Sphagnum(Sphagnum), a genus of sphagnum or peat (white) mosses. Includes 320 species. Mostly bog mosses, growing in dense dense clusters forming large cushions or continuous carpets on sphagnum bogs. Sphagnum is less common in humid forests. An erect soft stem 10-20 cm high with fascicle-shaped branches and single-layer sphagnum leaves contain a large number of dead aquifer cells with pores that easily absorb water, which determines the high moisture capacity of sphagnum and promotes rapid development raised bogs in places where these mosses appear. The stems of sphagnum die off annually in the lower part, forming peat. The growth of the stem is continued by the apical branches.
(Great Soviet Encyclopedia)

Due to its unique properties, sphagnum is widely used in indoor floriculture.

Does not contain sphagnum nutrients, has an acidic reaction (pH about 3.0). The ability of moss to absorb and retain water (some types of sphagnum absorb 20 times more moisture than their own weight) allows you to provide the necessary soil moisture. Chopped sphagnum is used as a component of the earthen substrate and to cover the soil surface (thus further increasing the air humidity around the plants). Moss also absorbs excess salts and can easily be replaced with fresh moss as it becomes salty.

Earth mixtures including sphagnum have high air and moisture permeability. The earthen lump is moistened evenly, and water stagnation does not form. The substrate remains loose and light for a long time. Excellent for the formation of new roots in young plants. Sphagnum moss helps create a slightly acidic environment in the soil, which is especially important for growing Gesneriaceae (Saintpaulias). Both live and dry sphagnum can be used as a substrate component.

The excellent bactericidal properties of sphagnum are known. Thanks to the content it contains sphagnola, a special anti-rot substance, sphagnum prevents the rotting of the root system of plants and the development of pathogenic microbes in the soil and on its surface.

For some plants, for example, for a number of epiphytes (in particular, orchids), sphagnum itself serves as an ideal substrate. Moss is used for rooting cuttings and young plants (finely chopped or rubbed through a sieve, without adding soil), as well as for germinating seeds. Aerial roots Various aroid vines can be wrapped in moss and sprayed to maintain the moisture they require.

To sterilize sphagnum, pour boiling water over it for 3-5 minutes, then lay it out, slightly wrung out, to dry on the windowsill. Dry sphagnum has many advantages - it retains moisture well and is breathable, and is also stored for a long time.

However, in my opinion, living moss is much more useful and looks more aesthetically pleasing. To preserve living sphagnum, I keep it in water at a temperature of 45 degrees for 30 minutes (you can also treat it with Ronilon), put it in plastic bags and store it in a cool place. The moss remains alive for three to four months. To increase its shelf life, moss can be frozen without any harm to it. An invaluable advantage of living moss is its antiseptic properties. According to my personal observations, everything grows better in living sphagnum.

There are a huge number of recipes for earthen substrates using sphagnum. Here are some of them - personally tested and proven to be very good:

- FOR SAINTPAULIA:

Earth mixture from Canadian gardeners
Leaf soil - 1 part, fertile garden soil - 1 part, river sand - 1 part, chopped sphagnum moss - 1 part.

Earth mixture from B.M. and T.N. Makuni
For a bucket of mixture: coarse-fibered red peat - 2 parts, turf soil - 1 part, chopped sphagnum moss - 1 part, river sand - 0.5 parts, half a packet of Saintpaulia soil (2-2.5 liters), 1 tablespoon simple superphosphate, 1 tablespoon dolomite flour, 0.5 liters of crushed charcoal.
(Based on materials from the book “Saintpaulias - Uzambar violets”, authors: B.M. Makuni, T.M. Klevenskaya)

- FOR GLOXINIA:

Take the land "Vermion" or the land "Garden of Miracles": "Begonia", "Saintpaulia" or "Rose". To a bag of such soil add a glass of sand, a handful of chopped sphagnum, a teaspoon of fine charcoal, 1/2 teaspoon of dolomite flour and 1 teaspoon of "Flower" fertilizer. If desired, you can add perlite, vermiculite, or simply foam chips “to taste” to the mixture for greater looseness.

- FOR ORCHIDS AND CATTLEAS:

Pine bark, charcoal, a little sphagnum, finely chopped fern roots are also recommended. Large, coarse bark is placed down, and medium bark is placed on top. The substrate should fit under the base of the rhizome, but not cover it.

- Sphagnum for young orchids according to V.A.’s recipe. Bogdanova:

Sphagnum scald, cool, squeeze out, pour in full mineral fertilizer"Kemira Lux" (a twenty-gram package is required - there is the right one) chemical composition) with a concentration of 0.5 g/l, squeeze lightly, keep in a closed plastic bag 3-4 days. Replant the orchid every 2 months in freshly prepared sphagnum until roots grow 5-7 cm long. After this, replant the plant in pieces of pine bark.

Tips for using sphagnum from my gardening friends:

1. ... Moss can be placed in the soil mixture, it can be placed on top to retain moisture longer, or it can be placed at the bottom of the pot when replanting. Moss serves both for disinfection and as a leavening agent. I also root cuttings in it; they do not rot in sphagnum.
Demina Natalya, Saratov

2. ...I use moss for orchid babies according to A.V. Bogdanov. Yes, also - in a terrarium with tillandsias: there is a living one growing at the bottom green moss more for beauty.
Kudryashova Anna, Moscow

3. ... I use moss very simply - I add it to the substrate for orchids, and also lay it on top of the bark; I also fill the holes between the sticks of wooden baskets with moss.
Svetlana Glushkova, St. Petersburg

4. ...How delighted are the anthuriums with moss!!! Within a week, new aerial roots appeared. Living and clean sphagnum does not crumble and forms a loose, moisture-absorbing cushion.
Tvabelova Olga, Podolsk

5. ...I used moss for a different purpose: I put it at the bottom of the cellar under potatoes. I read on the Internet that vegetables are preserved better this way. The cellar is made on the balcony. Moss was needed so that if the vegetables do not have enough moisture, then the moss gives up moisture, and if there is a lot of moisture in the cellar, then the moss takes it into itself. Like this. The experiment was a success, the vegetables were fine.
Vasilyeva Natalya, Moscow

6. …Scary story: my husband gave it to me last year New Year large Dutch zamioculcas, bought in a store. I was incredibly happy for the first two weeks - I had long wanted to get this flower. And new buds sprouted from the gift, and everything seemed to be fine. Then I noticed that someone was crawling briskly along the surface of the soil in the pot! I started looking, and there was no one there. By that time, I was already planning to replant the flower; it seemed like I should have acclimatized by now. I dug the ground - and there was the whole menagerie!!! I was simply shocked: all the possible creeping and gnawing infection plus a couple of fattened earthworms!
Zamioculcas has underground tubers, and while my specimen was being transported and sold, some of the tubers rotted, and in a Dutch greenhouse, all the larvae quickly turned into elephants due to this rot. Wearing rubber gloves and with a feeling of deep disgust for the continuous digging of something in the ground, I washed the roots and tubers of my flower, which had not yet been eaten. In order to save the gift, the bush had to be divided into pieces and started breeding four new Zamioculcas instead of one. Then I thought that the plant was dirty, that it would rot constantly... Nothing of the kind! I read in a smart book that Zamioculcas is added to the soil with quite a lot of chopped sphagnum and decided that this was the solution: it is an excellent antiseptic. In short, I thoroughly mixed the soil with moss, and now I have four new and clean zamioculcas - they have all sprouted and make me incredibly happy.
Vika Komarova, Moscow

Thus, sphagnum and pine bark high quality, collected in an environmentally friendly place, promote the growth of healthy and beautiful plants.

Gorlacheva Margarita Arkadyevna
www.moxsfagnum.narod.ru

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Sphagnum is not the most common moss, and therefore deserves close attention and careful study. Among the rest of the forest vegetation, it stands out with a whole bunch of truly remarkable qualities. Sphagnum is bog moss, but to be precise, the plant not only inhabits wetlands, but it creates them. In addition, peat reserves are formed from it. Today, sphagnum moss, thanks to its unique abilities, is actively used in medicine.

Sphagnum moss: description and composition

White peat moss is also popularly called sphagnum. It is a small herbaceous marsh plant, which is united under the common generic name - Sphagnum and is part of the separate family of sphagnum or peat mosses Sphagnaceae.

Science knows a lot various types sphagnum, differing in the structure of stems and leaves, as well as size, color and habitat. If you are interested in the question of where to get sphagnum moss, then go to the swamp, where it forms a continuous, unsteady carpet called turf.

Let's look at how sphagnum peat is formed and what it is. Sphagnum turf is found not only in swamps, but also on lakes. Here she floats peacefully on the surface of the water. The turf consists of many small specimens of sphagnum, which annually grow new tops, while their lower part dies and, sinking to the bottom, eventually forms peat deposits. In this simple way, swamps are formed.

Important! Remember: sphagnum grows in soils with low aeration. To prevent moss from growing on your site, you should organize high-quality soil ventilation.

Sphagnum has branched stems. The branches of the plant are very crowded at the top, but, thanks to the strong elongation of the internodes, as they grow, they begin to move away from each other, due to which their branches turn into different sides. As moss matures, cavities form in the older parts of its stem.

The bark of sphagnum stems consists of several layers of cells large size, which are devoid of plasma and its inclusions, due to which they are able to accumulate water like a sponge and then retain it for a long time.

This type of moss has sessile leaves, which are attached with a wide part to its stems and look very similar to tongues. Leaves are divided into oblong, large and single. The leaves growing on moss branches are narrow, slightly elongated in shape and tiled in arrangement. And their heads growing at the tops of the branches are bent. By the way, all types of moss leaves have hollow cells that can accumulate water.

More than 300 different species of sphagnum moss are known in the world, and 40 of them live in northern Russia, forming sphagnum bogs there. Sphagnum moss primarily grows in forest areas and tundra of the northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere, moss is found high in the mountains and very rarely in temperate areas. climatic zones on the plains.

Sphagnum reproduces by spores or offspring, and the second method is more common: every year one of the branches begins to develop more intensively and reaches the size mother plant, as a result of this, it moves somewhat away from the bush and turns into an independent plant.

What substances does sphagnum contain:

• cellulose;
• triterpenes;
• sphagnol;
• coumarins;
• Sahara;
• pectins;
• phenolic acids;
• resins;
• mineral salts.

Did you know? Residents of the northern regions of Russia put sphagnum moss in their babies' cradles to keep the baby warm, dry and comfortable. It was also used in the construction of beehives, for insulating the walls of houses, or as absorbent bedding in stalls and barns.

What are the benefits of sphagnum moss, the use of medicinal properties

Today, sphagnum has found its wide application in both folk and traditional medicine. Sphagnum has unique healing properties.

A thorough study of the plant confirmed that sphagnum moss has excellent bactericidal properties, due to the presence of coumarins, sphagnol and organic acids in its composition. In addition, it was found that it has a pronounced antifungal effect. Thanks to this, sphagnum moss has found its use in the treatment of purulent wounds, as well as other traumatic skin injuries. It is used as a support for immobilizing fractures under extreme conditions.

Sphagnum has three very important qualities for medicine:

• high hygroscopicity;
• excellent breathability;
• antibacterial and antifungal effect.

Did you know? Ordinary cotton wool is 25% less hygroscopic than sphagnum, which retains excellent aeration even when wet.

Sphagnum has priceless medicinal properties, which actively use in their practice traditional healers and herbalists.

Below we will look at what diseases sphagnum helps with and how to use it correctly.

Prevention of bedsores. The hygroscopic and bactericidal properties of sphagnum are involved here. Moss has long been used to make bedding for bedridden people, which prevents the occurrence of bedsores and unpleasant odor, since it perfectly adsorbs sweat and has a powerful bactericidal effect.

Treatment of osteochondrosis, rheumatism and radiculitis. Dry moss is brewed with boiling water in a ratio of 1:10 and left until it cools completely, then filtered and poured into the bath, diluting warm water. Take a bath with the decoction for no more than 40 minutes, after which all affected joints are rubbed with any warming ointment, wrapped up and go to bed. Sometimes, to relieve inflammation from one or more joints, moss compresses are placed on them. To prepare a compress, you need to take a tablespoon of sphagnum moss and pour half a liter of boiling water and let it brew. After this, the moss should be filtered and bandages moistened with the decoction should be applied to the affected joints.

For prevention acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections and influenza It is recommended to wash your face with sphagnum infusion, gargle with it and rinse your nasal passages.

Using sphagnum moss to produce alcohol

Sphagnum peat is a rich source of various chemical products. Medical, wine and wood alcohol, bitumen, feed yeast and humic acids are obtained from it.

To prepare alcohol, young moss peat is taken, which is converted into sugar using sulfuric acid under pressure in an autoclave. The resulting sugary solutions are then fermented into alcohol using yeast. And if you believe Professor Moser, then from 100 pounds of peat you can get from 5 to 6 buckets of 90-degree alcohol.

Bactericidal properties for cuts and burns

Such beneficial properties sphagnum moss, as its high hygroscopicity and bactericidal properties, make it possible to actively use it in the treatment of wounds as medicine, which has a pronounced antibacterial effect.

The use of sphagnum moss is advisable for:

• fractures as a bactericidal and hygroscopic spacer between the body and the immobilizing splint;
• superficial skin injuries such as frostbite, cuts and burns.

Did you know?It is known from historical records that sphagnum moss was used in medical purposes since the 11th century. In the 19th century, sphagnum was sent as a dressing material to all Russian provinces. Doctors of that time highly valued this plant and actively used its medicinal properties to alleviate the suffering of their patients.

How is sphagnum moss used for dermatological diseases?

Sphagnum moss can also be of great benefit in the treatment of dermatological diseases. It is often used to treat nail fungus. To combat the disease, insoles made from dried moss are placed in shoes, which are not removed throughout the day.

SPHAGNUM

Sphagnum is a large genus of plants, including over 200 species of mosses, similar in structure and ecology.

Taxonomy and names

Sphagnum belongs to higher, or, as they are also called, leafy plants. This division is rather arbitrary, but characterizes moss as a plant with differentiated organs. Sphagnum belongs to the Bryophytes, or Bryophytes, division, the most primitive division of modern higher plants.

The order Sphagnales differs from green mosses in a number of anatomical, morphological and biological characteristics. It includes only one family - Sphagnaceae (Shagnaceae) and the only genus Shagnum, which unites about 350 species (according to other data 320). The photo shows bog sphagnum (Shagnum palustre).

Synonymous names for sphagnum:

White moss - comes from the white or light green color of some species; because of white sphagnum moss is sometimes confused with certain types of lichens.
peat moss - due to the plant’s ability to form peat bogs;
sphagnum

Area and place in biocenoses

The main distribution of sphagnum mosses is in the tundra and forest zones of the Northern Hemisphere: in the northern and middle parts of the forest zone, taiga, tundra, forest-tundra, in Siberia, on Far East and the Caucasus.

In the Southern Hemisphere, sphagnum moss is less common, growing mainly in mountainous areas. Although sphagnum is a typical Holarctic plant, the greatest diversity of species of this genus is found in South America.

Ecosystems where sphagnum mosses grow:
raised bogs (also called sphagnum bogs);
swampy coniferous or mixed forests;
forest-tundra zone with predominance coniferous species trees;
wet meadows with poor drainage and stagnant water;
river valleys with swampy banks, here on pine forest terraces the habitat of sphagnum can extend far to the south, right up to the steppe zone;
mountainous regions (alpine and subalpine belt).

Morphological features

All types of sphagnum have morphological features, inherent only to mosses - they have no roots. But sphagnum has its own characteristic features, distinguishing it from green mosses.

Contrary to the often used name “white moss,” most types of sphagnum are green, brown or reddish in color.

Sphagnum is clearly differentiated into stem and leaves. Branched stems, caulidia, grow vertically, reaching a height of 20 cm. Densely growing sphagnum stems form pads or tufts. Sphagnum moss grows only in the upper part, and the lower part gradually dies off, forming peat.

A characteristic feature of sphagnum is the absence of rhizoids in adult plants, replacing roots for mosses. In moss sprouting from a spore, rhizoids are formed, but soon die along with the lower part of the sphagnum.

The structure of the sphagnum stem is simple: in the center there is a core, inner layer consists of elongated cells with thickened walls (prosenchyma), and the outside of the stem is covered with epidermal cells. Sphagnum multilayered epidermis is called hyaloderma. This layer consists of dead, empty, transparent cells that have pores. Cells are always filled with water and dissolved mineral components; they play the role of conductive tissue.

Thanks to hyalodermal cells and water-bearing leaf cells, sphagnum has the property of being hygroscopic. Dry moss can increase its mass thirty times when placed in water.

At the end of each branch, the leaves are collected in a bunch - this is a feature of sphagnum mosses.

Sphagnum leaves, or phyllidia, are of two types - stem and branch. The branch leaves are smaller than the stem leaves and are arranged like tiles: they overlap one another.

The leaves of sphagnum mosses consist of only one layer of cells. Their difference from the leaves of green mosses is that sphagnum does not have a central leaf vein.

Leaf cells are divided into living and dead. This is due to different cellular functions. Living (assimilated) cells contain chlorophyll; they are narrow, worm-shaped, and long. Dead ones are diamond-shaped and absorb and store water.

Photo: white moss - sphagnum / bog sphagnum

Features of reproduction

Mosses are the only representatives of higher plants in which the gametophyte, that is, the haploid generation, dominates in the development cycle. The diploid generation is a sporophyte, highly reduced and is a spore-bearing capsule on a stalk.

Sphagnum, like all representatives of the Bryophyte department, reproduces with the help of spores and with the help of gametes (sexual reproduction).

The gametophytic generation is what people call sphagnum (stem with leaves). Among hundreds of species of sphagnum there are monoecious and dioecious representatives. Gametes in sphagnum are formed in archegonia and antheridia.

Features of the chemical composition

The composition of sphagnum moss includes:
tannins - thanks to them, moss is stored for hundreds of years without rotting;
sphagnol is a phenolic compound that blocks the development of putrefactive bacteria, playing the role of a natural antiseptic;
polysaccharides (starch, glucose and some cellulose);
terpenes;
proteins and amino acids;
silicon.

Species of the genus Sphagnum (Shagnum)

Usually the word “sphagnum” refers to bog sphagnum (Shagnum palustre).
In swampy pine forests it often grows with. compact (S. compactum) and c. oak forest (S. nemoreum).
In sphagnum bogs, typical species of s. brown (S.fuscun), p. deceptive (S.fallax).
In low-lying swamps, in alder forests and swampy groves - p. central (S.centrale), p. blunted (S. obtusum), p. fringed (S.fimbriatum).

Role in biocenoses and economic use

In nature, white mosses are the founders and main herbal ingredients sphagnum bogs. Thanks to sphagnol, white mosses do not rot, but decompose very slowly, creating an acidic environment.

In raised bogs, sphagnum forms low-mineralized but high-calorie peat. The percentage of ash in such peat does not exceed 6%; it is used as fuel, construction and thermal insulation material, chemical raw materials, and also as a substrate (or additive to the substrate) for growing flowers and agricultural crops.

IN agriculture dry sphagnum is also used as bedding for domestic animals. In medicine, peat serves as an antiseptic and dressing material. Sphagnum extracts help in the treatment of rheumatism, intestinal diseases, infectious diseases skin caused by staphylococci.

Sphagnum moss is well known to flower lovers and not only. It is also used in medicine, animal husbandry, and construction. Other names for sphagnum are white moss, peat moss, sphagnum. This plant is involved in maintaining the balance of the forest ecosystem. It is from this that peat reserves are formed. Moss has a specific place in the food chain.

Where does sphagnum grow and what does it look like?

White moss lives in wetlands forest areas. It can be found in different parts of the globe, but is more common in the northern territories. Translated from Greek, sphagnum sounds like “natural sponge.” This name is no coincidence; it is caused by the hygroscopic properties of the plant. Compared to other mosses, sphagnum has a much lighter color.

This moss has no roots. As sphagnum dies over time, it turns into peat. Rotting processes do not affect it due to the antibacterial properties inherent in this plant. Some people don’t know why sphagnum is called white moss, but the whole point is that when the plant dries, it turns white. During the growth of moss, low, erect shoots are formed, which form a dense cushion not exceeding 5 cm. The plant in the description is represented by several varieties. For example, protruding sphagnum forms taller and looser clumps.

Sphagnum does not have a single stem, but consists of phyllidia and caulidia, which absorb mineral salts and water, thus receiving nutrition. The role of rhizoids is performed by young sections of the stem and leaves. Over time, their suction function is lost, and they only help the marsh moss to stay in the substrate. Spores ripen in special boxes that form at the ends of the upper branches.

If you look at the structure of sphagnum under a microscope, its leaves consist of 2 types of cells. Green and living ones contain chloroplasts, which are involved in photosynthesis. Dead cells are large and colorless formations. Their role is to retain large volumes of moisture. The shoots of the plant have an openwork pattern and give the sphagnum an airy appearance. During the rainy season, moss absorbs water and then gradually releases it into the environment, thus maintaining the water balance of the ecosystem.

Reproduction of "natural sponge"

Scientists have long established how sphagnum reproduces. Reproduction occurs through spores and vegetatively. The rate of reproduction of bog sphagnum largely depends on the composition of the soil. The “sponge” spreads most quickly in damp grassy areas with low soil acidity, near trees, and near swamps. The most productive way is propagation by spores:

Mechanism vegetative propagation effective only over short distances. In this case, the moss reproduces in sections of the stem.

Areas of use

“Natural sponge” is widely used in various economic fields. In some places, sphagnum moss is collected on an industrial scale. However, it is often prepared for personal needs. It is interesting to know where sphagnum moss can be useful and what it is used for:

To collect raw materials yourself, you can go to the nearest forest with wetlands, where it will not be difficult to find white moss. The process of collecting and subsequent storage of “natural sponge” is also not particularly difficult.

How to collect and store

Soft forest moss does not require the use of any special devices during the collection process. It is collected with bare hands or wearing gloves. An adult can easily pull moss out of the soil. After collection, the sphagnum must be squeezed out to remove excess moisture and laid out in the sun to dry. If you plan to use the plant for decorative purposes, do not squeeze it out and dry it for a shorter time.

When collecting, it is better not to tear out the plant completely, but to cut off the upper part of the pillow with scissors. Then the remaining moss in the soil will continue to grow, producing new branches, and it will gradually recover. If the plant is intended to be used as a substrate, it must be doused with boiling water to kill the insects living in it.

It is better not to dry sphagnum moss in special household dryers, as in this case it will dry unevenly. The collected raw materials can be stored in the freezer.