Mosses are bryophytes with more than 12000 known species. They are usually found in shady locations that are moist. They form layers or carpets on the forest floor and woodland. They help ecologically, by breaking down and providing nutrients for their succeeding plants. By forming a cover on the soil they also prevent soil erosion.
Sphagnum moss and sheet moss (Hypnum sp.) are the two mosses that form a carpet on the forest floor. Let us differentiate between a Sphagnum and sheet moss in the table below.
Sphagnum Moss
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Bryophyta
Class: Sphagnopsida
Order: Sphagnales
Family: Sphagnaceae
Genus: Sphagnum
Sphagnum moss or peat moss is a bryophyte with more than 300 known species. They form thick clumps around swamps and ponds. The plants grow up to 30cm tall and are characterised by leaflike structures called phyllids. The moss can hold water up to 20 times its weight.
The growth of moss in a waterbody increases the acidity of the water due to their metabolic activity. It decreases the activity of bacteria and prevents decay.
Over time, dead plants break down chemically to accumulate in organic layers known as peat. The Sphagnum species is the most common constituent of peat. The peat moss is harvested and dried and used as fuel. Other uses of peat moss include in dressings, diapers, bedding and lamp wicks.
Sheet Moss
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida
Order: Hypnales
Family: Hypnaceae
Genus: Hypnum
Sheet moss or hypnum moss are bryophytes that belong to the genus Hypnum. It consists of more than 80 species. They form dense green mats on the forest floors, mostly on decaying wood found in moist areas.
The Hypnum genus is dioecious, having male and female reproductive organs on different plants. The leaflike structures called phyllids are curved and resemble cypress trees.
They have been used in filling mattresses and pillows and are also known to induce sleep.
Sphagnum Moss vs Sheet Moss
| Sphagnum Moss | Sheet Moss |
| Description | |
| Sphagnum moss is a bryophyte that forms dense clumps around moist shady locations. | Sheet moss is a bryophyte that carpets the forest floor increasing its aesthetic view. |
| Genus | |
| Sphagnum | Hypnum |
| Importance | |
| It forms peat moss that is harvested and dried to be used as fuel. | It is used by florists for decorations and was previously used to fill mattresses and pillows. |
| Common Name | |
| Peat moss | Sheet moss / Carpet moss |
| Sexual Condition | |
| It can be monoecious or dioecious. | They are dioecious. |
Explore BYJU’S Biology for more information.
Also Read:
- Moss: Characteristics, Life Cycle and Uses
- Difference Between Liverworts and Mosses
- Major Differences between Algae and Moss
Frequently Asked Questions
Are green moss and Sphagnum moss the same?
The green living part of the Sphagnum moss is the green moss and the dead decayed portion of the moss is the peat moss.
What grows well in Sphagnum moss?
Epiphytic plants like orchids grow well in the Sphagnum moss.
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