Moss sphagnum. Moss sphagnum: a photo where it grows. Life cycle of moss sphagnum

In marshy areas, areas where there is a large number of water bodies, various specific plants grow. Many of them have useful and unique properties. The sphagnum moss is quite common in the forest zone. The photo, where this "natural sponge" grows (so, in Greek, its name sounds), is presented below. The name was given because of hygroscopic properties.

general information

Green mosses are referred to the main groups of mossy plants. Most of them have a bright color. It is easy to distinguish sphagnum moss. In comparison with the rest, it looks much paler. Often in the forest belt you can find even a white sphagnum moss. It becomes colorless if it is drought. The roots of the "sponge" are absent. The lower part of the plant is transformed into peat with time. Deterioration does not occur due to substances with bactericidal properties. Moss sphagnum can be found, in principle, everywhere. However, it is most common in the northern hemisphere of the planet. Favorite places are marshy zones, shady, 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. In the process of growth unbranched erect shoots are formed, which are collected in cushions or dense turf. Their height, as a rule, is not more than five centimeters. There is no real stem. Elements that correspond to them are called phyllidia and caulidia. Through the cracks, available between these parts, most of the salts and water necessary for normal vital activity enter. Phyllidia, as a rule, consist of a single cell layer. Rhizoids play the role of roots. Through these branching multicellular strands, water is absorbed from the soil with the useful compounds dissolved in it. However, with age, rhizoids lose the ability of "conductors" and serve only to support and anchor in the substrate.

What is the life cycle of sphagnum moss ?

Like the vascular representatives of the flora, the species under consideration is alternating 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 gametangias are called antheridia, female - archegonia. From the zygote (a fertilized egg) comes sporophyte - spore generation. In mossy plants there is practically no chlorophyll. Sporophytes remain attached to the gametophyte, receiving power from it. In each cell there is a diploid (double) chromosome set. The gametophyte has a haploid (single) chromosome structure (as in gametes). Of the two single sets with the fusion of the sperm and the egg, one double is formed. It is necessary for the development of the sporophyte. During the spore formation, meiosis occurs (division of cells of reduction type). As a result, each dispute again becomes haploid. Further, it can grow into the same single gametophyte. A threadlike branching structure is formed from the spore. It is called protoneme. It starts to form buds. Of these, later develop gametophytes.

Distribution mechanism

How does sphagnum moss grow? Where does the "sponge" grow best? The degree of distribution depends primarily on the composition of the soil. The most favorable environment is poorly ventilated soil with no grass and low pH. Moss sphagnum is a plant distributed in shaded areas, under trees, on shaded parts of structures, paths, monuments. It should be noted that the sprouting occurs very quickly. And if in the forest zone mossy plants make up a natural landscape, then when they appear on the household plots, a lot of problems and obstacles are created for the development of other representatives of the flora. In this regard, you should often think about ventilation lawns, paths, facades.

Mechanical ways to combat the "sponge" on the backyard

One of the main reasons for the growth of moss is insufficient soil ventilation. To ensure ventilation, it is necessary to penetrate deep into the ground, while ensuring air access to the lower layers. If the weed spread not very much, then you can eliminate it manually. For this it is enough to dig out each of its bush. Much important in preventing the spread of moss is the proper mowing of the lawn. It affects the ability to trap air, moisture and fertilizer at a depth of about 8 cm. As already mentioned above, with a high humidity, a very favorable environment is created for the spread of the "sponge".

Chemical methods

In the fight against the growth of moss, fertilizers can also help. For this, mixtures suitable for reducing the acidity of the soil are suitable. Experts recommend to give preference to complex tools for processing ornamental lawns. These components usually contain three components: nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Such mixtures have a double effect. First of all, due to the properties of ferrous sulphate , the death of mossy growths occurs. Secondly, due to the presence of nitrogen, grass growth is activated. If fertilizers are applied to moistened soil, the mosses die faster. As practice shows, the decrease in soil acidity is noted already two days after treatment. In the spring or summer period, only mossy areas should be sprinkled. In the case of extensive plant propagation, the entire site should be fertilized. It is not necessary to abuse fertilizers, however. Use the mixture can be no more than once in 2 months. Experts advise to engage in lowering the acidity of the soil in the autumn. As a result, the alkaline soil composition will be provided throughout the winter.

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

A very effective tool for combating moss on facades or monuments is ordinary soda. Its solution creates a destructive alkaline environment for it. It should, however, be said that if part of a building or monument is located in a shady place, then the sphagnum can not be re-emerged. Therefore, you will have to clean regularly. Powders specially designed for this purpose can be used. You can buy them in shops for gardening.

Moss sphagnum. Application

"Sponge" has a number of useful properties, due to which it is used in various areas. In medicine, the application began with the 11th century. And by the 19 th moss sphagnum were sent to the provinces for use as dressing material. During the war, it was an indispensable tool that possessed high hygroscopicity and the ability to quickly and easily absorb pus, blood and other fluids. Some companies even today produce sphagnum-gauze tampons, which are impregnated additionally 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 promotes rapid disposal of the foot fungus. For skin lesions of an infectious nature, psoriasis and other pathologies, baths with infusion of moss are recommended. For preparation, a small amount of "sponge" is cut, it is poured with water (70-80 degrees). Sphagnum is used as a filler for diapers, mattresses. It is recommended as an underlay diaper for the elderly and seriously ill.

Use in gardening and animal husbandry

Florists use moss when growing young shoots or for saving sick specimens. Due to the hygroscopicity of the "sponge", moisture is effectively retained in the substrate. Especially often used plant when caring for orchids. To grow sprouts moss is scalded, cooled and squeezed. After it should be poured by the prepared mineral liquid fertilizer "Kemira lux", again slightly wring out and place in a plastic bag. Closed moss must be kept for four days. Every two months, in freshly prepared by this way, the soil should be transplanted to an orchid. When its roots reach five to seven centimeters, the plant is placed in the substrate of the pine bark. Moss sphagnum is also used to protect plants from frost in the garden. As a hygienic means, sphagnum is used in cells with hamsters, rats, guinea pigs. This natural filler perfectly copes with odors, disinfects and absorbs moisture.

Workpiece

When collecting moss, do not pull it out together with the lower part. For the correct workpiece, the top is cut with scissors. In this case, the remaining part can give shoots. The collected moss of the house must be doused with boiling water. This is done to eliminate the larvae and eggs of insects. The properties of moss are not lost. Dry the raw materials outdoors in sunny weather with a slight breeze. Do not use dryers. If the billet is carried out for subsequent use for medicinal purposes, the raw material is kept in air until it dries completely. After that, it is broken and put in a dry container. If intended 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 the dry moss in the freezer. He is put there green and, if necessary, gets it.