They are land plants of extremes. Mosses have colonized the earth for more than 350 million years and thrive under almost all ecological conditions. Some species are under strict nature protection, others act as problem solvers in garden design or are vehemently opposed. Get to know the most important types of moss within the large moss departments: leaf moss, liverwort and hornwort.

The distinctive fountain liver moss was moss of the year in 2013

The class of mosses gives us well-known types of moss

With more than 15,000 species, mosses (Bryophyta) are the largest division of plants. Due to their habit of sprouts and tiny leaves, they come closest to the popular image of moss plants. In addition, some of the most popular types of moss that spread weal and woe in the garden are represented within this section.

  • Peat mosses (Sphagnidae), whose water-tolerant species we owe the peat substrate that is so important in the garden
  • Sphagnum, as a subspecies of peat moss, provides valuable services in the cultivation of orchids
  • Versatile leske moss (Leskea polycarpa), a typical representative of moss carpets in floodplains and on tree trunks
  • Sparriger Wrinkle Brother (Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus) representative of moss species that matt our lawns

The survivors within the deciduous moss department are the pitching mosses (Andreaeidae). Their species inhabit mountain rock in all layers and can still be found at altitudes of 5,000 meters.

Decorative and helpful - these liverwort species are convincing

In terms of diversity, the liverwort class with 10,000 species can easily compete with leaf mosses. The majority of liverworts do not develop leaflets, but rather a highly complicated, thread-like thallus. The round shape of the leaves catches the eye on species with leaves, which - in contrast to leaf moss - often do not have a central rib. These species are familiar to home gardeners:

  • Fountain liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha), which made a name for itself as moss of the year in 2013
  • Bidentate comb moss (Lophocolea bidentata), is considered a widespread lawn weed because it tolerates drought well
  • Tender liverwort (Monosolenium tenerum), the popular type of moss with a large thallus for the aquarium

In the ecologically managed garden, liverwort extract is highly valued. As the University of Bonn found out, the agent works naturally against all types of fungal infections in ornamental and crop plants. Types of moss that are often used here are the bald fruit moss (Porella obtusata) and broom moss (Dicranum scoparium).

Horn mosses are rare in Germany

With just under 150 species, hornworts are considered an isolated department within the moss plants. In our latitudes, you will only rarely discover the 2 mm small, green columns in the wild. Since hornworts come from the tropical regions of this earth, they only appear in warm, humid locations in summertime, where they are reminiscent of green algae at first glance.

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A scientific experiment revealed the boundless will to survive in mosses. A moss plant that had been frozen in the Arctic ice for more than 1,500 years was busily sprouting again under ideal living conditions. It is therefore not surprising that combating moss in lawns and on paved surfaces takes so long.

Category:

Vegetable garden