What sets moss apart from other plants?
Mosses are one of the oldest living plants on the planet along with their relatives, hornworts and liverworts. They have truly stood the test of time and their resilience and adaptability make them important components of many ecosystems worldwide with over 12,000 species across the globe. Unlike most plants, moss doesn’t have any roots. Instead they have simple structures called rhizoids which help moss anchor themselves to surfaces.
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Mosses are non-vascular plants which means they lack specialised tissues to transport water and nutrients that are typically found in vascular trees and flowering plants. Instead they absorb water and nutrients directly into their cells which is why they favour moist environments. Their reproduction cycle also differs from other plants. Instead of producing flowers or seeds, moss releases spores into the air which then develop into new plants under the right conditions.
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We also value moss for its aesthetic appeal. Moss doesn’t usually grow very tall but can spread itself across vast areas in a carpet like fashion or in the form of cushions. The lush vibrant greens and velvety, soft textures make moss an excellent addition to terrariums and can transform the space into a living ecosystem.