Question

Which of the following plants was used as a wound dressing as late as World war I

• A. Copper moss
• B. Sphagnum
• C. Hornworts
• D. Red algae

Answer 1

The correct option is B Sphagnum

Sphagnum efficiently absorbs moisture because of its close overlapping leaves and sponge-like matting of the branches around the stem, and also the microscopic structure of the leaves. The elongated living cells form a network running throughout the leaf but it is a second set of cells, dead and empty, that provide the plant’s capacity for absorption. Their porous cell walls allow water to flow in and inflate them. Each cell can absorb up to 25 times its own weight of liquid. Sphagnum has found use since ancient times in home-made sanitary towels and as a form of nappy. Sphagnum has been used to staunch wounds for over 1,000 years. Scottish soldiers used it at the battle of Flodden in 1513. Its use for wounds waned until the 1914–18 war, when it soon became obvious to surgeons that the need for dressings would be immense due to the unexpected numbers of military wounded.

So the correct option is 'Sphagnum'.