What does sphagnum mean?

Definition of sphagnum 1 : any of an order (Sphagnales, containing a single genus Sphagnum) of atypical mosses that grow only in wet acid areas where their remains become compacted with other plant debris to form peat. 2 : a mass of sphagnum plants.

Is sphagnum moss a Pleurocarpous?

Sphagnum moss is neither acrocarpous nor pleurocarpous plants, they grow both outward as well as upward.

What is sphagnum in biology?

Sphagnum is a genus of approximately 380 accepted species of mosses, commonly known as sphagnum moss, peat moss, also bog moss and quacker moss (although that term is also sometimes used for peat).

What is the common name of sphagnum?

peat moss
peat moss, (genus Sphagnum), also called bog moss or sphagnum moss, genus of more than 300 species of moss (division Bryophyta). The taxonomy of Sphagnum species has been controversial, and various botanists accept quite different numbers of species.

What is sphagnum moss made of?

It does not contain any mineral soil, only accumulated plant material. Source: Premier Tech. Most of the peat moss used in crop production comes from Canada and is composed mainly of mosses from the genus Sphagnum (of which there are 160 species of sphagnum found globally).

What is the difference between an Acrocarpous moss and a Pleurocarpous moss?

Acrocarpous mosses are usually unbranched or almost so, and have an erect habit, like small trees. They are never regularly pinnately (fern-like) branched but have a central stem and leaves coming off that stem. Almost all pleurocarpous mosses are freely branched, often either pinnate or chaotic.

What is a Pleurocarpous moss?

A type of moss in which archegonia, and hence capsules, are borne on short, lateral branches, and not at the tips of stems or branches. Pleurocarpous mosses are usually monopodially branched, often pinnately so, and tend to form spreading carpets rather than erect tufts.

Which is better sphagnum moss or peat moss?

Sphagnum moss has a neutral pH as compared to the lower, more acidic pH (3.0 to 4.0) sphagnum peat moss. Peat moss is a less expensive amendment in potting and garden soils, and it is a great medium for growing acid-loving plants. Peat moss is also high in tannins. Water retention is excellent for both.

Why is sphagnum called peat moss?

Sphagnum is called peat moss because it grows in acidic marshes (bog) and helps in peat formation. The Sphagnum that has been decayed and dried is known as the peat or peat moss.

What is the classification of sphagnum?

In the field, most Sphagnum species can be identified to one of four major sections of the genus—classification and descriptions follow Andrus 2007 (Flora North America): Sphagnum sect. Acutifolia plants generally form hummocks above the water line, usually colored orange or red. Examples: Sphagnum fuscum and Sphagnum warnstorfii.

What is the meaning of acrocarpous?

Definition of acrocarpous. of a moss. : having the archegonia and hence the capsules terminal on the stem — compare pleurocarpous.

Is Sphagnum asexual or asexual?

Sphagnum species can be unisexual (male or female, dioecious) or bisexual (male and female gametes produced from the same plant; monoecious ); In North America, 80% of Sphagnum species are unisexual. Gametophytes have substantial asexual reproduction by fragmentation, producing much of the living material in sphagnum peatlands.

What is an anaerobic acidic sphagnum bog?

Anaerobic acidic sphagnum bogs have low rates of decay, and hence preserve plant fragments and pollen to allow reconstruction of past environments. They even preserve human bodies for millennia; examples of these preserved specimens are Tollund Man, Haraldskær Woman, Clonycavan Man and Lindow Man.