Saturday, April 11, 2020

Sphagnum moss

This moss puts out a shiny green spore capsule raised high on stalks to facilitate the dispersal of spores.   These sporophytes become black w/ fertilized spores.  Usually dispersal is via the wind but where there is no wind, the spore capsule will dry, compressed air in the capsule will 'pop' the end off, and a small cloud of spores will be explosively expelled.  At least that's the theory.  High speed photography shows spores reaching a height of 10 to 20 centimeters - more than would be expected by just the mechanism of ballistics.  A special note - Native Americans used sphagnum moss as diaper material for babies since it wicks moisture and absorbs excrement.  Something to consider when you find the toilet paper aisle bare.

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