Moss Specimen

Date2007

Dimensions1.5 x 9 x 12.5 cm (9/16 x 3 9/16 x 4 15/16 in.)

Object numberHF.2012.49.33

DescriptionA large sample of green-yellow Sphagnum teres [Schimp.] Angst. in Hertm moss with long, thin branches. Leaves are long, tapered towards the top and are positioned alternate on the stem. Leaves at the tips of the branches are grouped tightly together and form a rosette-shape. Sample is vaguely circular in shape with some branches pointing outward.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Bryophyta
Class: Sphagnophytina
Order: Sphagnidae
Family: Sphagnaceae
Genus: Sphagnum
Species: Sphagnum teres [Schimp.] Angst. in Hertm.

Narrative

Collected on September 21, 2007, by Rosemary Curley from Perth Station, Kings County, PEI (46°14'21.42"N, 62°42'7.86"W. Datum: NAD83).

Sphagnum teres [Schimp.] Angst. in Hertm., grows to form loose mats with large, slender apical buds. It is commonly referred to as "peat moss" as it is one of the major components of peat. It has a main stem with tight fascicles (bundled) branches. Fascicles are arranged spirally around the stem with both spreading and hanging branches. Leaves grow on both the stem and branches, are unlobed, and photosynthesize. A tuft of young branches, called a capitulum, grows that the tip of the stem.

Sphagnum teres typically grows in minerotrophic habitats around lakes, fens, swamps, and wet depressions in woodlands. It will often colonize an area, dominating nutrient-poor areas where other plants do not survive. It grows throughout North America as well as in Northern Europe and Northern Asia. Throughout the Maritimes, sphagnum teres is considered to be rare.

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