Читать книгу Miniature Moss Gardens - Megumi Oshima - Страница 7

Chapter 1

An Introduction to Moss

Nice to meet you!

“Is moss even a plant?”

“Are all green things mosses?”

This simple introduction is for those who are not sure of the differences between the various types of moss.

What is Moss?

Soft and green, moss is a delightful plant. Properly looked after, it can be with you for years. However, moss has slightly different characteristics from other plants. A good understanding of its peculiarities and structure will help you cultivate moss well.

The Characteristics of Moss and How It Spreads

The plant generally called moss is classified as Musci. It is one of three types of bryophyte, the simplest of all land-dwelling plants. There are over 20,000 varieties, or species, worldwide. Nearly all mosses are perennial and evergreen and can therefore be enjoyed all year round.

It is often assumed that mosses like damp, dark places, but they are actually extremely fond of bright places. Like ferns, seed plants and other plants, mosses need nutrients that come from photosynthesizing sunlight in order to live. They are more similar to the fern family than to seed plants because mosses do not multiply via seeds but via spores. Large numbers of spores develop in the sac-like calyptra at the end of the stem-like seta and are released into the wind when they reach maturity.

MOSS KNOWLEDGE IN THIS CHAPTER

① Characteristics

② Body structure

③ Types of moss

MOSS TIPS

☑ There are a lot of different types

Of the mosses classified as bryophytes, more than 2,500 types, or species, grow in Japan alone.

☑ They perform photosynthesis

They create the nutrients they need to survive through photosynthesis, so they cannot live without sunlight.

☑ They multiply via spores

Mosses do not bear flowers or fruit so do not have seeds. Instead, they release spores to multiply.

The Structure of Moss

Referred to as the epidermis, or outer layer, of the earth, moss is thought to have evolved from algae, which spends its entire life cycle in water and is one of the most primitive forms of plant life. For this reason, moss has leaves and stems which can absorb water rapidly but has not yet developed a root system. Instead it has clusters of rhizoids that resemble beards, which help to provide stability to the body of the plant, to anchor it. These do not serve the function of absorbing moisture or nutrients. Most mosses form masses which work to mutually support individual plants and prevent them from falling off surfaces.

Moss is also lacking in a moisture-storing organ, so the space between masses of moss serves the vital function of holding water reserves.

Three Types of Moss

Moss is a bryophyte, which can be broadly divided into three types: Musci, Hepaticae and Anthocerotae. In gardening, all three are commonly referred to as mosses.

Musci (mosses) can generally be recognized by the clear distinction between their leaves and stem, with some types having upright stems and others lying on the surface of the ground. They include mosses such as Sphagnum and Hypnaceae. Musci are very suitable for kokedama and moss bonsai.

Hepaticae (liverworts) are distinguished by their overall softness. They grow best in shady places and near water. They do poorly in dry conditions.

Anthocerotae (hornworts) are known in Japanese as “horn moss.” As the name suggests, this moss has pointed spore-bearing branches that resemble horns. It prefers sunlit damp ground. Within the three types of moss, there have been fewer discoveries of Anthocerotae varieties than the other two.

Leaves and stems are distinct, with some stems upright and others lying flat on the ground.

Dislikes dry conditions and grows best in shaded, humid places and near water.

Their spore-bearing branches resemble pointed horns. Of the three main classes of bryophytes, there have been fewer discoveries of Anthocerotae.

MOSS TIPS

☑ It has no roots

As the most primitive plant on earth, it has only established leaves and stems.

☑ It grows in masses

Lacking a root system to support its body, moss clumps together in masses to establish a mutual support system.

☑ There are three species of plants that are commonly referred to as moss

Moss is a bryophyte. These plants can be broadly divided into three types: Musci (mosses), Hepaticae (liverworts) and Anthocerotae (hornworts).

ABOUT MOSS 1: Stories that make moss even more appealing!

Moss Symbolizes “Motherly Love” in the Language of Flowers

Did you know that there is a meaning for moss in the language of flowers?

In books about floral symbolism, moss is listed as signifying maternal affection, trust, loneliness and thought. It is true that moss, softly covering even forbidding cliff faces, has something in common with maternal affection embodied by the figure of a mother enveloping her child in love.

Moss is the birth flower for January 22, January 29, August 10 and December 2. If you have friends or family born on any of these days, why not try making a kokedama or moss bonsai as a gift?