Moss Specimen

Date2007

Dimensions1 x 9.5 x 16 cm (3/8 x 3 3/4 x 6 5/16 in.)

Object numberHF.2012.49.36

DescriptionA large sample of dry Sphagnum magellanicum Brid. moss, yellow-brown and yellow-green in colour. The sample has long stems with leaves that are tapered and slightly curled at the tips. Leaves have a scale-like texture. The top of the branches each have a tight cluster which looks like a rosette. Many strands of brown plant matter (likely grass) is present interwoven amongst the moss.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Bryophyta
Class: Phagnopsida
Order: Sphagnales
Family: Sphagnaceae
Genus: Sphagnum
Species: Sphagnum magellanicum Brid.

Narrative

Collected on September 21, 2007, by Glen Kelly from Doc's Marsh, Forest Hill, Kings County, PEI (46°21'53.94"N, 62°31'32.46"W. Datum: NAD83). Collected growing in a bog.

Sphagnum magellanicum Brid. is a moderate sized moss which forms compact hummocks. Stems are woody with flat branching leaves which are finely fringed. Branch leaves are broadly ovate and 2mm long. It has a distinctive reddish-purple colour making it easily distinguishable. Sphagnum magellanicum Brid. reproduces through dioicous.

Sphagnum magellanicum grows in open areas of bogs and can sometimes be found in fens. It can be found growing in South America, North America and Eurasia, and is common throughout each of the Maritime provinces.

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