2 minute read
An Unending Reverence for Mosses
BY KALI BRAUCKMANN, NATURALIST ECOFORESTRY INSTITUTE SOCIETY
The forest beckons as a wondrous realm in which to lose oneself, rediscovering the tranquility of nature and that dormant, serene side hidden within. This peace, experienced upon entering the woods, springs from the thousands of textures and hues of the flora, the intimate proximity of trees, the gentle fragrant breeze and, most poignantly, the enchanting allure of mosses. To amble through areas swathed in moss, cushioning rocks and boulders, encircling tree trunks or draping from branches, is to step into a realm both ancient and magical. Even a solitary patch of moss nestled between trees evokes this otherworldly sentiment.
Such a sense of ageless wonder is indeed rooted in mosses’ primeval origins.
Bryophytes, encompassing mosses, liverworts and hornworts, are believed to have been the initial plant species to transition from green algae, forging their path from ocean to land. With an evolutionary journey spanning nearly 400 million years, it’s astounding to recognize that these beings — despite their absence of roots or vascular tissues — are the second most populous plant group.
Far from being insignificant ornaments, mosses are nature’s delicate architects. Their exquisite leaf-like con figurations not only enhance the beauty of their surroundings, but also offer irreplaceable functions. Blanketing flora, stones and earth, mosses offer a vital layer of padding to the forest floor. This plush carpet serves to capture rain, curtailing erosion; aids in water retention within the soil; strengthens the health of neighbouring plants; and elevates humidity.
Yet, there exists an unseen realm within the mosses, a miniature forest teeming with the most curious of inhabitants. Take, for instance, the tardigrade. Known colloquially as the water bear or moss piglet, this creature resembles a six-legged, eyeless, tube-mouthed creature that bears a certain bizarre and endearing charm. These minute omnivores traverse the mossy landscape in search of delectable tidbits — be it algae, microorganisms or even fellow tardigrades!
The next time you find yourself gazing upon the mosses that surround you, recognize the vast tapestry of life and history contained within this minuscule world.
