Types and names of mosses with photos and descriptions

Not everyone knows what mosses exist (name of species, genus). At best, everyone remembers the familiar cuckoo flax or sphagnum from a school biology course. In reality, a fairly large group of these plants stands completely apart from others currently existing. No connections or transitional, intermediate forms were found. In everyday life, not only the names of mosses and lichens, but also the plants themselves are often confused when meeting them, for example, in a forest. Why not take a closer look at these amazing inhabitants of planet Earth.

Mosses are one of the oldest plants on Earth

The Bryophytes department unites a large group of higher plants, which numbers about 25,000 species. Of these, only 1,500 species grow in our country. The calculations are approximate, since very large areas of tropical forests have not yet been studied. There is even a separate science that studies mosses - bryology. The oldest fossil forms date back to Carboniferous times, but scientists admit that they appeared even earlier. These are the only plants whose evolution is associated with the regressive development of the sporophyte. Even at the dawn of the development of life on Earth, they firmly took their place in the plant world and retain it to this day.

Twenty-two species from the Bryophytes department are listed in the “Red Book of Russia”: Krylov’s Campilium, Alternate Orchidium, Savatier’s Bryoxyphium, Onstremia argentata, Atractylocarpus alpine, Marcius’s Oreas, Indusiella Tien Shan, Lindbergia short-winged, Lindbergia Duthier, Mamillariella geniculate, Cryphea multidirectional, Dosia I Japanese, Gomaliadelphus smooth-toothed, Neckera northern, Plagiothecium obtuseum, Taxiphyllum alternating, Hooker's Actinotuidium, Leptopteryginandrum south-alpine, Hyophila involutes, Fossombronia Alaskan, Nardia japonica, Isopaches discolored.

General characteristics of mosses

The concepts of moss (the Latin name is “bryophyte”) and Bryophyta are very broad and combine many species. These are mainly low-growing perennial plants ranging in height from 1 mm to several centimeters, but there are species reaching 60 cm or more. A distinctive feature of mosses is the complete absence of a root system. Their function is performed by special outgrowths of the epidermis - rhizoids. With their help, the moss body attaches to the substrate and receives water with minerals dissolved in it. The reproduction cycle consists of a sexual (gametophyte) and asexual (sporophyte) generation. On the one hand, regressive traits threw them far back in comparison with other plants on the planet, and on the other, they allowed them to survive in the harshest conditions, when all the others were dying out. This is also due to the fact that they initially took their place under the cover of other plants, and therefore are neutral towards both light and heat. The main factor for mosses is the presence of moisture. But they managed to adapt even to its lack. There is another amazing feature of mosses - their ability to fall into a state of suspended animation under unfavorable environmental conditions. At this moment, the plant almost stops all life processes. Mosses can remain in a state of suspended animation for decades, successfully surviving extremely low or high temperatures, lack or absence of moisture.

Use in garden decoration

The primacy in the use of mosses for landscape design belongs to the Japanese. In the 14th century, the monks of the Saihoji Temple in Kyoto created a moss garden. The garden, rare in its beauty, has survived almost unchanged to this day. The inhabitants of the monastery, attentive to every detail, noticed that with sufficient humidity, some species look no worse than garden crops , and sometimes look more advantageous.

Europeans adopted the tradition of using plants in the decoration of parks and gardens. Then the practice of using mosses to decorate landscapes spread to many countries with a suitable climate.

Most species love moisture and shade. Plants feel most comfortable near ponds, streams, and under tree branches. However, there are mosses that grow well in sunny, open places - clearings, roofs.

How moss is used for decoration:

Moss-covered decorative elements of the garden - sculptures, boulders, driftwood, tree trunks, ceramic amphorae - add a special charm to the landscape.
A plant planted between the stones of paved paths will hide the unevenness of the masonry and create a softer overall impression.
A “green” roof of a cellar or shed will serve as an additional source of coolness.
Formation of lawns and lawns.
Design of a Japanese garden, landscape in retro style, rock garden, alpine slide.
Flowerbeds and flowerpots framed with moss carry a special charm.
“Shaggy” garden graffiti will impress guests.
With the help of miniature plants, various garden compositions are created, for example, phytowalls.

Designers consider mosses to be background plants, as they highlight the brightness and beauty of the shapes of garden crops. Look harmonious on mossy lawns:

violets;
ferns;
conifers;
hydrangeas;
rhododendrons.

Lawns and lawns

The moss thallus retains its rich color from April to November. This explains why the plant is a serious competitor to lawn grass varieties. Many varieties and a wide color palette allow you to create unusual, memorable lawns. With the help of moss it is easy to combine decorative objects into a single composition. Plants of different shades form an original volumetric space.

Benefits of mossy lawns and lawns:

require minimal care;
do not need a haircut;
the mossy surface is quickly restored and practically does not trample;
the lawn maintains a fresh, attractive appearance at any time of the year;
The moss covering protects the root system of trees and shrubs from drying out.

A mossy lawn saves time and allows you to have a neat, well-groomed area without extra effort.

Graffiti and garden forms

The plant has found its place in the design of a modern garden. The walls of the house, outbuildings, and fences are decorated with garden graffiti. Creating graffiti is not as difficult as it might seem. You must have a stencil of a picture or text, a mixture of moss and nutrient medium, and a brush.

In a similar way, you can cover any garden shapes with moss: animal figures, gnomes, hanging balls, even a house number.

Moss distribution

These plants are very fond of humid places; they are distributed almost all over the world, except for seas and highly acidic (saline) soils. Especially often, various types of mosses, the names of which are sometimes difficult to translate from Latin, are found in the tundra. They grow quite slowly (annual growth 1-2 mm), if you take one individual plant, but, in general, a very significant biomass is obtained.

The fact that mosses inhabit almost all corners of the planet is also explained by the fact that they are oligotrophic plants. They can grow even in the most meager and poor soils. Animals, as a rule, do not feed on mosses. Their ability to actively retain moisture sometimes leads to waterlogging of the soil.

Vegetable cocktail

If you simply put the plant plate on the bottom of the aquarium, it will dry out. And you won’t get a beautiful landscape. So we'll make a cocktail. No, not for drinking. For lubricating surfaces. To prepare it you only need a blender. Here are some recipes:

100 g moss, 2 tbsp. l. sour cream, 200 ml of clean water.
200 g of plant, 400 ml of any beer, 1 tbsp. l. granulated sugar.
1 tbsp. moss, 2 aspirin tablets, 2 tbsp. plain water.
200 g plant, 200 ml kefir, 300 ml water, 1 tsp. Sahara.

We take ingredients from any recipe. Well, those that are at hand. Together and cheerfully we put it in a bowl or jug. Then vigorously grind with a blender. Let me warn you right away: the smells of cocktails using dairy products are disgusting. Well, nothing. Beauty always requires...

Moss propagation

These plants have a peculiar reproduction cycle. The names of mosses and their distribution are different, but they are all similar in that the gametophyte and sporophyte are combined in one plant. The latter is also called asexual generation. It is represented by a small box with spores, which is fixed in the gametophyte with the help of a suction cup. The development of the sexual generation begins from the moment of germination of the spore. Initially, a filamentous or lamellar formation (protonema) develops, on which buds are laid, from which a lamellar thallus or stems with leaflets then grow, depending on what type of moss they are. The names of the sexual reproductive organs of higher plants are familiar to many from school - these are archegonia and antheridia. The first are the female reproductive organs, characteristic of higher spore plants, as well as the order Gymnosperms. Antheridia are male organs found in higher plants and algae.

Ways to decorate an aquarium with moss

Types of decor:

"Persian rug". To create the composition, bryophytes such as Floating Riccia and Riccardia chamedrifolia are used.
"Green Snake" To create it, Java moss growing in a vertical direction is used.

"Happy New Year!". On the eve of the holiday, you can place Christmas moss in the center of the aquarium with small decorations (small rhinestones) attached to it.
"Dense forest". The composition is created using bryophyte Flame. It is recommended to plant the plant in one part of the aquarium, leaving the other open.

Do you know what? The created compositions should be regularly looked after.

Class Liverworts or Liverworts: types of mosses, names and photos

A distinctive feature of all species of these plants is the wide variety of gametophytes and the similarity of sporophytes. The total number of the class is about 300 genera and 6,000 species of mosses. They grow mainly in tropical climates. They are very characterized by vegetative propagation by more or less developed parts of the thallus.

There are species that are not attached either to the soil or to trees, for example, Riccia floating. Under natural conditions, it is found in the Far East and Ciscaucasia. Sometimes it is also bred in aquariums.

Various marchantia is also quite common on the territory of Russia. This moss grows on the soil. The body of the plant (thallus) has the appearance of a multilayer, highly branched plate and measures up to 10 centimeters. The plants are dioecious, and the reproductive organs are placed above the plate on special stands in the form of an umbrella.

What are the generic names of mosses of the class Liverworts? Let's list some of them: spherocarpus, pallavicinium, symphyogyne, mercia, hymenophytum, metzgeria, riccia.

Class Leafy mosses: examples, names

Leaf mosses are the largest class, which includes more than 15,000 species, grouped into 700 genera. In addition to their abundance, they are also distinguished by their important role in the plant cover of the Earth. The gametophyte in representatives of this class can grow vertically upward or in a horizontal plane. Depending on this, they are divided, respectively, into orthotropic and plagiotropic types. For convenience, leafy mosses are divided into three subclasses: sphagnum, andreaceae, and briaceae.

Subclass Sphagnum mosses

Everyone is familiar with these names of mosses. There are more than 300 species of plants included in the subclass (40 species are found in our country), and they grow all over the world. All representatives of the species are distinguished by their rather large size and color of white-green, brown or red. Basically, species of this subclass make up the vegetation of the tundra zone and are the main source of the formation of peat deposits.

The genus Sphagnum, or peat moss, includes 120 species. They all grow in swamps, covering them with a continuous carpet. The stems annually grow by 2-3 cm, while the lower part dies and decomposes, but does not rot. The reason for this feature is that carbolic acid, which is an antiseptic, is formed in the body of the moss. The dead part forms peat, but this process is very slow. Thus, it was calculated that 1 meter of such deposits is formed within 1,000 years!

Another representative of the subclass under consideration is rural tortula. This moss grows on trees and has an unusual name. Habitat: from tundra to arctic deserts. It is attached to bare tree roots and bark, as well as stones. It has a characteristic brown or greenish-brown color, the stem grows up to 10 centimeters.

Here are some names of the mosses of the genus in question: bog sphagnum, protruding, brown, girgenzona, Magellan, papillosa.

Recommendations for cultivation

When creating a moss covering, it is necessary to use a nutrient mixture containing plant spores. To prepare the mixture you will need:

kefir, natural yogurt, milk, buttermilk (optional) - 2 cups. Dairy products act as a nutrient medium;
moss (fresh or dry) - 1.5 cups.

The plant and dairy product are mixed in a blender to a homogeneous mass, the consistency of thick sour cream. If necessary, the mixture is diluted with water, and moss is added for greater density. If the surface on which the spores will be applied is smooth, then wet clay is added to the composition to make ceramics. The clay will increase the viscosity, which will allow the spores to take hold. The result of the work will be visible in a month and a half: that’s how long it takes plant spores to germinate.

Features of cultivation:

moss can be purchased at specialized flower shops;
When collecting plants in nature, you should consider where you plan to plant them. For the lawn, moss is taken that spreads along the ground. Plants living on trees are suitable for covering garden forms and graffiti;
The moss will retain the rich color of the thallus and develop rapidly with sufficient moisture and light. The plant needs soft morning and evening sunlight. On a hot afternoon, mosses feel comfortable in the shade of trees;
the best planting season is autumn;
A mossy lawn must be cleared of fallen leaves.

Growing moss does not cause much trouble and does not require special financial investments. Green rugs will add brightness to the garden and garden plot both in spring and summer, and in the depressing days of late autumn.

Subclass Brie mosses

The subclass is quite numerous and includes more than 14,000 species, 1,300 of which are found in Russia. These are mainly perennial plants that reach very impressive sizes: from 1 mm to 50 cm in height. The color is usually green, red-brown or even almost black. They usually grow on soil, rotten trees or on leaves. They absolutely cannot tolerate salty soils. Everyone is familiar with the names of mosses in Russian, such as cuckoo flax, or scientifically, polytrichum vulgaris, brium piliferous. They grow in northern and central Russia, most often in the forest.

Applying the composition

Of course, even before preparing this wonderful liquid, we placed pebbles inside the aquarium. They put up an artificial lock and put some old snags on it. Sand was added to the bottom and a little fine gravel was poured. Didn't it turn out lovely? But something is missing.

What did the famous cartoon character say? It won't be enough. Not enough! Let's add aesthetics. By the way, they have already sniffed the stench from the jug. Now take the old brush. We dip it well in the cocktail and start writing. Over the stones, over the castle, over the snags. We smear from the heart, we don’t regret it. You can even splash a little.

We take what’s left to the backyard. There we select the darkest and dampest corner. And we paint directly on the walls with slurry. Everything that came to mind. At least your autograph. Good results are obtained when drawing through a stencil. Guests will wonder for a long time how the moss could grow so much. Naturally, keep them in the dark until the last minute. After all, this is your exclusive!

Of course, then the moss will fill all the free space. But even just a fluffy soft wall attracts the eye. And don’t be afraid to damage buildings. Moss does not destroy the base, but only covers it, like a carpet.

The eerie color mixture is over. But our business is not there yet. Let's move on to the next stage.

Subclass Andreevs

This is a group of small plants (about 120 species) growing in cold climates (Arctic and Antarctic). They can be found on rocks and rocks, on which they form something like pads. Representatives of this subclass are Andrea rocky, Splahnum red and yellow, Rhodobrium rosette-shaped, Leucobrium glaucous, Polya drooping, Dicranum centipede. These are just some types of mosses. The names and photos of the remaining representatives of the subclass can be found in botanical atlases, where a detailed description of the genus and species will also be given.

How to distinguish moss from lichen?

People very often confuse not only the names of mosses and lichens, but also their appearance in general. The main difference is that the latter are representatives of lower spore plants that appeared on Earth much earlier than mosses. Some lichens even have a name that directly indicates that they belong to a completely different group of plants. For example, oak moss, Irish moss, deer moss. The original names have been preserved, but they have nothing to do with the Bryophyte department under consideration. Oak moss has the beautiful scientific name Evernia plum. If you look at the photo, it will immediately become clear that this is a lichen. It grows, as the name suggests, on oak bark, as well as some coniferous plants.

The body of lichens is a symbiosis of algae and fungus. They do not have roots, but mosses have their similarity - rhizoids. To put it even more simply, the body of a lichen is like a sandwich: there is a mushroom on top and bottom, and in the middle there are algae, which carry out the process of photosynthesis. The substrate to which the lichen is attached (most often trees) is destroyed by the action of a special acid secreted by the fungi. Moreover, it is capable of destroying even stone. Therefore, these plants are quite harmful. So, when they appear, for example, on fruit trees, they simply destroy the bark. But at the same time, lichens are an indicator of air purity, because they absolutely cannot tolerate gas pollution.

Common mistakes made by new aquarists

Beginner aquarists make the following mistakes:

Use only soft water. High hardness leads to plant death. However, in soft water, moss loses its original color and turns yellow. The recommended hardness is 6.3-6.7 pH.

Refuse to use soil. Knowing that moss does not have roots, beginners do not place it in the aquarium so as not to worsen the condition of the water. But you shouldn’t give up the soil. It supports the vital activity of beneficial microorganisms.

A large number of lighting devices are used. Aquarists believe that a lack of light is harmful to plants. But excess energy leads to accelerated growth of mosses. The composition may be destroyed.

The optimal water temperature in the aquarium is up to +25ºС. If the thermal regime is violated, bryophytes will stop growing or begin to rot.

How are ferns and mosses similar?

In evolutionary terms, ferns are one step higher than mosses. This is explained by the fact that they have a vascular conduction system through which water and minerals dissolved in it enter the plant. They are more familiar to people and are found everywhere in forests. Shield grass and bracken are well-known names. Mosses and ferns are still united by one significant similarity: both of them reproduce not by seeds, but by spores. That is, there is an alternation of sexual and asexual generations (sporophyte and gametophyte). In addition, they are very often neighbors in their natural habitat, since both of them prefer shade and high humidity.

Procurement rules

In our country, sphagnum grows in huge quantities in the nearby pine-spruce forest, especially in damp lowlands. If there is a swamp not far from you, then there will definitely be sphagnum around it. It is better to collect in the fall, in bags.

There is no need to pull out all the moss; just carefully cut off the green top part with scissors. Be sure to leave separate young shoots so that the plant can continue to grow after your visit.

The collected sphagnum moss is scalded with boiling water and laid out in an even layer in well-ventilated sunny areas. Dried plants are placed in linen bags or paper bags for later storage.

Growing moss at home

Growing moss at home is not difficult. All it requires is a humid environment and sufficient lighting. Having grown it at home, you can create interesting green compositions with your own hands - beautiful landscapes, miniature gardens.

The meaning of mosses

Mosses in the natural environment are pioneers; they are the first to populate territories whose climatic conditions are sometimes not suitable for any other plant. These plants are an integral part of the entire biosphere as a whole. Mosses create special biocenoses in the tundra, covering the ground with a continuous carpet.

They have a very pronounced ability to retain moisture, the benefits of which can be interpreted from two sides. From the first point of view, they regulate the water balance in the soil, and from the second, they contribute to waterlogging of forests, meadows and agricultural lands.

Sphagnum mosses are a valuable source of peat formation, which is widely used as fuel, material for construction and in agriculture. In addition, some species are used in medicine because they have antibacterial properties. But the formation of sphagnum and hypnum bogs is of significant importance for the entire ecosystem as a whole. This is a habitat for many shrubs and herbaceous plants, home to numerous game animals and birds. But most importantly, a swamp is something like a reserve reservoir of fresh water. After all, like a sponge, absorbing all the precipitation, it gradually then releases moisture into the soil to small streams that flow from it. The swamp acts as a moisture regulator in the surrounding area.

Application

Many gardeners have been using moss for quite a long time. There are many options:

Landscape designers often use sphagnum moss as a kind of living border for flower beds and garden paths.
Sphagnum is added to soil mixtures for seedlings of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins and other vegetable crops. Moss will disinfect the substrate, improve its structure and virtually guarantee high germination. It can also be used as a surface mulch for seedlings so that blackleg has no chance of success.
It is recommended to infuse even water for irrigation with moss. It is also used to treat stems, leaves and the surrounding soil.
When propagating by layering, it is recommended to cover them with a layer of sphagnum. This will avoid infection and the activation of diseases.
When propagating violets, orchids, Saintpaulias, gloxinias and some other plants, crushed fresh moss is added to the soil mixture. The main purpose is to improve the soil structure and better moisture retention.
Bonsai trees, orchids and a range of succulents are often grown in soilless environments. Instead of soil, you can use only sphagnum. It is constantly moist and does not rot.
Moss is often added as liners for hanging baskets and planters.
If there is a large volume of sphagnum, it can be added to heavy clay and light sandy soils in order to improve their structure.
Some gardeners use sphagnum moss as mulch. It is worth considering that, unlike traditional shelters, such a layer will acidify the soil, so it is not suitable for all plants. For example, for winter garlic - sphagnum is what you need! Hydrangeas and blueberries will also appreciate moss. Sphagnum is also suitable for mulching beds with strawberries - the berries are always clean, gray rot, if present, is minimal.
When planting gladioli, wrap the bulbs in a layer of moss and they are almost guaranteed not to get sick.
In the cellar for long-term storage, layer layers of beets, carrots, and onions with sphagnum.
Mulch all flower pots at home with a layer of moss. This approach will eliminate many problems, and everything looks very decorative.