In marshy areas, areas where there is a large number of ponds, various specific plants grow. Many of them have useful and unique properties. Sphagnum moss is quite common in the forest zone. The photo where this "natural sponge" grows (as its name translates from Greek) is presented below. The name was given due to hygroscopic properties.
general information
Green mosses belong to the main groups of mossy plants. Most of them are brightly colored. Sphagnum moss is easy to distinguish. In comparison with the others, it looks much paler. Often in the forest belt you can even find white sphagnum moss. It becomes colorless if it is dried. The roots of the "sponge" are missing. 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. Wetlands, shaded, damp places are considered favorite 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. In the process of growth, branchy erect shoots are formed, which are collected in pillows or dense turfs. Their height, as a rule, is not more than five centimeters. There is no real stem. Elements that correspond to them are called phillids and caulidia. Through the gaps between these parts, a large part of the salts and water, necessary for normal life, enters. Phyllidia, as a rule, consist of one cell layer. Rhizoids play the role of roots. Through these branched multicellular strings, water is absorbed from the soil with useful compounds dissolved in it. However, with age, the rhizoids lose the ability of “conductors” and serve only for support and fixing in the substrate.
What is the life cycle of sphagnum moss ?
As with the vascular representatives of the flora, in the species under consideration there is an alternation of the asexual generation (sporophyte) with the sexual (gametophyte). The latter is represented by a photosynthetic green plant. Gametes are formed in the genitals (gametangia). Male gametangia are called anteridia, female gametes are called archegonies. A sporophyte, a spore generation, emerges from a zygote (a fertilized egg). In mossy plants, chlorophyll is practically absent. Sporophytes remain attached to the gametophyte, receiving food from it. Each cell contains a diploid (double) chromosome set. Gametophyte has a haploid (single) chromosome structure (as in gametes). Of the two single sets at the merger of sperm and egg, one double is formed. It is necessary for the development of sporophyte. During spore formation, meiosis occurs (cell division of the reduction type). As a result, each spore becomes haploid again. Further, it can grow into the same single gametophyte. A threadlike branchy structure is formed from the spore. It is called protonemia. On it, kidneys begin to form. Gametophytes subsequently develop from them.
Distribution mechanism
How does sphagnum moss grow? Where does the “sponge” grow best? The degree of distribution primarily depends on the composition of the soil. The most favorable environment is poorly ventilated soil with mowed grass and low pH. Moss sphagnum is a plant distributed in shaded areas, under trees, on the shaded parts of structures, paths, and monuments. It should be noted that proliferation is very fast. And if in the forest zone mossy plants constitute a natural landscape, then when they appear on personal plots, a lot of problems and obstacles for the development of other representatives of the flora are created. In this regard, you should often think about the ventilation of lawns, paths, facades.
Mechanical methods of dealing with a "sponge" in a personal plot
One of the main reasons for the growth of moss is considered insufficient ventilation of the soil. To ensure ventilation, it is necessary to penetrate deep into the ground, while ensuring air access to the lower layers. If the weed has not spread very much, then you can eliminate it manually. To do this, just dig every bush. Of considerable importance in preventing the spread of moss is the correct mowing of the lawn. It affects the ability of sod lying at a depth of about 8 cm to retain air, moisture and fertilizers. As mentioned above, with high humidity creates a very favorable environment for the spread of the "sponge".
Chemical methods
Fertilizers can also help in the fight against the growth of moss. Mixtures suitable for this decrease soil acidity. Experts recommend giving preference to complex means for processing decorative lawns. These fertilizers typically contain three components: nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Such mixtures have a double effect. First of all, due to the properties of iron sulfate , mossy growths die. Secondly, due to the presence of nitrogen, grass growth is activated. If fertilizers are applied to moistened soil, then the death of mosses occurs faster. As practice shows, a decrease in soil acidity is observed two days after treatment. In spring or summer, only mossy areas should be sprinkled. In the case of extensive distribution of plants, the entire area should be fertilized completely. However, fertilizers should not be abused. You can use the mixture no more than once every 2 months. Experts advise lowering the acidity of the soil in the autumn. As a result, the alkaline composition of the soil will be provided throughout the winter.
A simple way to get rid of the spread of the "sponge"
A very effective way to combat moss on facades or monuments is ordinary soda. Its solution creates a disastrous alkaline environment. However, it should be said that if part of the building or monument is located in a shaded place, then the reappearance of the sphagnum cannot be avoided. Therefore, you will have to clean it regularly. Powders specially formulated for this purpose can be used. You can buy them in stores for gardening.
Moss Sphagnum. Application
"Sponge" has a number of useful properties, due to which it is used in various fields. In medicine, the application began in the 11th century. And by the 19th moss sphagnum began to be distributed in the provinces for use as a dressing. During the war, it was an indispensable tool with high hygroscopicity and the ability to quickly and easily absorb pus, blood and other fluids. Some companies today produce sphagnum-gauze swabs, which are additionally soaked with a solution of boric acid. The moss contains sphagnol - a phenol-like compound. This substance has a bactericidal, antifungal and disinfecting effect. Humic acids, also present in the plant, exhibit antibiotic properties. The use of sphagnum insoles contributes to the rapid disposal of foot fungus. For skin lesions of an infectious nature, psoriasis and other pathologies, baths with moss infusion are recommended. For cooking, a small amount of "sponge" is cut, filled with water (70-80 degrees). Sphagnum is used as a filler for diapers, mattresses. It is recommended as lining diapers for the elderly and seriously ill.
Use in gardening and livestock
Florists use moss when growing young shoots or to save diseased 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, the moss is scalded, cooled and squeezed. After it, it should be spilled with the prepared “Kemira Lux” mineral liquid fertilizer, squeezed out again and placed in a plastic bag. Closed moss must be held for four days. Every two months, an orchid should be transplanted into the soil freshly prepared in this way. When its roots reach five to seven centimeters, the plant is placed on a substrate of pine bark. Sphagnum moss is also used to protect plants from frost on a personal plot. As a hygiene product, sphagnum is used in cells with hamsters, rats, and guinea pigs. Such a natural filler perfectly copes with odors, disinfects and absorbs moisture.
Billet
When collecting moss should not be pulled out together with the bottom. For proper harvesting, the top is trimmed with scissors. In this case, the rest will be able to shoot. Harvested 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. Dried raw materials outdoors in sunny weather with a slight breeze. Dryers are not recommended. If the workpiece is carried out for subsequent use for medicinal purposes, then the raw materials are kept in the air until completely dry. After that, it is broken and put into a dry container. If it is supposed to be used for decorative purposes or as a filler for animal cells, then the plant should not be completely dried. In this case, the raw materials are stored in the newspaper. You can keep dry moss in the freezer. They put it there in green and get it if necessary.