Plant Kingdom

Moss and Liverwort Phylum:  Bog moss or Sphagnum moss

Bog mosses are always found where there is plenty of water which is mildly acidic. The bog moss grows to about 20 cm producing simple leaves. As the plant grows taller it dies at the bottom and eventually turns in a material called peat. Bog mosses are exceptional in the amount of water they absorb. Dry bog moss can absorb 20 times its own weight in water.

• Close Window

© Paul Billiet, Shirley Burchill, Alan Damon and Deborah James 2009