Nature is unusually beautiful and unique. It is no secret that absolutely every plant or living organism has certain benefits for the outside world. Sometimes we don’t think about how unique our world is. In our article we will analyze in detail bryophyte plants and their features. After reading, you will learn how to navigate the area precisely thanks to moss.
General information about bryophytes
Mosses are stunted plants. Usually their height is only a few centimeters. Mossy plants can be found anywhere. Few people know, but they do not tolerate salt, and for this reason they do not grow in the seas. Typically, mosses have stems and leaves. However, in some species they are absent. It is known that moss absorbs fluid perfectly. It's no secret that it grows exactly where there is an increased percentage of moisture. Mosses absorb liquid with rhizoids. In addition to water, they also absorb minerals that are beneficial to themselves. Almost all of their species are perennial. Surprisingly, mossy plants are used in many areas of our life.
The main signs of mosses
Few people know this, but the first representatives of mossy plants grew back in the Carboniferous period. This is evidenced by fossils found by archaeologists. What are the signs of bryophytes? You can find out in our article.
Today, more than 20 thousand species of mosses are known. They grow both on land and under water. The main signs of bryophytes are group sprouting and the absence of a root system. As a rule, their length is not more than a few centimeters. The tissues of this plant contain chlorophyll. For this reason, its color can vary from dark green to light green. It is no secret that thanks to chlorophyll, carbon dioxide is converted into oxygen.
Propagation Features
Mossy plants with a sexual trait prevail over asexual. The former use gametes for breeding, while the latter use spores. Mosses are divided into two types - thallus and leafy. In plants that perform their vital activity in water bodies, spermatozoa move with the help of special flagella. The process of reproduction does not occur if there is no contact with water. After fertilization of the egg, a special organ is formed - a box. It is in it that disputes are formed. Thanks to them, mossy plants not only multiply, but also spread.
Green moss is a type of mossy plant. It is with him that the box is formed on a long leg. In addition, it has a top and an additional coating. It is worth noting that the longer the stem, the greater the radius of distribution of the spores. Mossy plants develop only in favorable conditions.
The structure of mosses
Unlike other plants, mosses have a fairly simple structure. In most cases, they consist only of a stem and leaves. In addition to the root system, they also lack vascular conduction bundles. The structure of mossy plants allows them to attach to surfaces thanks to rhizoids. As we said earlier, they also absorb moisture well. It is worth noting that they do not have a conductive system.
Mossy plants on trees
Moss on trees is the first sign of their disease. We believe that almost every gardener faced such a problem. How to get rid of moss on a tree? Is it necessary to clean it off? You can find out this and much more from our article.
Few people know, but mossy plants that carry out their life on trees not only slow down their growth, but also provide shelter for a large number of parasitic insects and their larvae. It is for this reason that moss on trees must be destroyed immediately. To do this, you need to prepare a special solution of 250 grams of carbolic acid. It is mixed with a bucket of water and heated to a state of boiling water. With a hot solution, it is necessary to lubricate all neoplasms. After a couple of days from mossy plants there will be no trace.
Many gardeners try to clean off mossy growths on garden trees with the help of improvised tools. Can this be done? It is worth paying attention to the need to monitor the correctness of the process. For this procedure, it is recommended to use a metal spatula or brush. Under a tree, you need to lay a film or polyethylene. Cleaned moss will need to be burned immediately. This is important so that this problem does not spread to other trees and soil.
The value of mosses in nature is invaluable. Only a few of their species are parasitic in nature for plants. It is worth emphasizing once again that the moss that began to sprout on the trees must be immediately eliminated in order to avoid its spread. To do this, you can use the recipe that is given in our article.
Sphagnum
Sphagnum mosses are a variety of mossy plants that tend to grow in swamps. Most often they are found in the northern part of the planet. Often they are also called white moss. This is no accident, because the color of the sphagnum is light green, and from afar it appears white. Surprisingly, it is able to absorb 20 times more moisture than its total weight.
Few people know that sphagnum mosses bring a lot of benefits. They are often used in construction. This is not accidental, because it is believed that sphagnum is an excellent means for thermal insulation. It is worth noting that it also reduces the risk of spreading fungus and mold in the house. Due to the fact that this kind of moss absorbs moisture well, it surpasses in its properties many specialized insulation materials.
The benefits of peat moss
Many are interested in the role of bryophytes in nature. As we found out earlier, they can be both beneficial and harmful. Peat mosses are extremely useful not only for humans, but also for the environment. This is a perennial plant that has a highly branched stem. It is worth noting that, unlike other varieties of bryophytes, peat bogs do not have rhizoids. Like other mosses, peat moss sprouts only in fairly moist places. When interacting with water, they swamp the soil. In addition, peat is formed. It is often used as fertilizer. Peat is considered the best way to improve soil quality.
Benefits of Mossy Plants
As we said earlier, there are more than 20 thousand species of bryophytes. They grow in almost all corners of the planet. What is the role of bryophytes in nature? You can find out this and much more in our article.
Few people know, but mosses, like other plants, actively absorb carbon dioxide, and produce oxygen. They are an integral part of the terrestrial biosphere. And it is bryophytes that are capable of absorbing radioactive substances that adversely affect the human body.
Mosses are extremely important for animals. For them, they are often food. For birds, bryophytes serve as a refuge and home. The value of mosses in nature is invaluable. Few people know, but recently, moss is actively used in pharmacology. For example, alcohol is created from peat. By the way, it is also from it that fuel is made. Mossy plants are also used in cosmetology. They create a large number of masks, creams and scrubs. Such products tone the skin and slow down its aging.
Mossy plants have a positive effect on the environment and the human body. When used correctly, they will not only warm your home, but also save your face from premature aging.
Useful properties of sphagnum mosses
Various departments of plants can both positively and negatively affect the environment and living organisms. Few people know, but sphagnum is actively used in medicine. Surprisingly, it is used as a dressing. This is no coincidence, because it has a high antibacterial effect. It was often used during the war. Often used now. As a rule, it is used for open fractures. In this case, the sphagnum is applied directly to the wound.
In addition to antibacterial action, it also has a healing property. It is actively used for burns and frostbite. At home, sphagnum is used to prevent infectious diseases. To do this, fill it with hot water and take a bath with this mixture. This procedure helps to strengthen the immune system. In addition, this tool will get rid of fungal skin diseases.
How to use the moss to navigate the terrain?
Orienteering is something that absolutely everyone should be able to. Few people know, but mossy plants allow you to easily find the right path. As we said earlier, mosses live where high humidity prevails. They do not tolerate excessive light. In order to determine the direction and find the right path, for example, in the forest, you must first find the tree on which the moss grows. If it is completely covered by this plant, you need to find the part where it grows most actively. Thanks to this, you can determine the northern direction.
Remember the simple recommendations that are given in our article. Thanks to them, you can quickly navigate the terrain.
Negative properties of bryophytes
Different departments of plants can have both positive and negative effects on the environment and human health. Mossy plants are no exception. As we said earlier, they often parasitize on fruit trees and thereby slow their growth.
Quite often, aquarists also struggle with mosses. This is no coincidence, because such a plant spreads quite quickly and clogs water. For this reason, the fish in the aquarium feel uncomfortable and are most susceptible to various diseases and infections. In order to purify the water, it is necessary to purchase special snails that eat moss for food. As a rule, it takes about a month to fully cleanse. If for some reason this option does not suit you, go to the pet store. There you will be helped to choose a special tool that as quickly as possible will save you from unwanted mossy plants in the aquarium.
As we said earlier, due to the spread of mosses on the soil, it becomes boggy. Such a process is highly undesirable. In wetlands it is impossible to grow crops. Mossy plants have both positive and negative sides. However, they are an indispensable link in the development of the environment.
