Sphagnum

Useful properties and applications of sphagnum moss swamp

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Description of sphagnum

Sphagnum spore is a unique plant whose roots are not available. This unusual perennial forms a fairly thick, soft carpet of light green color. Turf this plant consist of a large number of individual elements, each year increasing the tops. With the withering away of the lower part there is a special peat layer is brown. Low thin stems lined with small narrow leaves subulate form. The absorption protruding leaf plates due to the particular pore cells.

This moss is very common in the tundra, the polar-Arctic and forest zones of boundless Siberia. Typically, such a plant gives a preference to the upland swamps and Northern forests.

The beneficial properties of sphagnum moss

In the represented plant contains penelopedevine substances and triterpene compounds, resin, sugar, pectin elements and other substances. Thanks to this combination of sphagnum prevents the suppuration of wounds. Such hygroscopic perennial is used as a dressing material, which before use can even be sterilized.

Revealed antibacterial properties of the leaves make them unique. Incredible suction ability is much stronger than ordinary cotton wool. The permeability of sphagnum is that even in quite wet this moss is excellent breathable. Along with antibacterial and disinfecting effect discovered disinfectant and antifungal properties of the plant.

The use of sphagnum moss

Such a wonderful moss, like sphagnum, is used since ancient times in the form of a dressing material due to its unique effects on the human body. Special substances cause of its antiseptic and wound healing properties.

In case of fractures for transportation can be put under the bus this plant, which will be a softening strip. It will help to avoid friction between the skin and the splint, simultaneously acting as a disinfecting means. This plant is also used to seal and create a good absorbency tampons for medical purposes.

Antifungal and antibacterial effect of sphagnum moss can be used for a serious fight against the various fungal diseases of the skin. This slightly dried plant can produce a wonderful insoles for shoes. In addition, the sphagnum will help to cope with the unpleasant foot odor and increasedsweating.

Sheet of sphagnum moss

The unique leaves of sphagnum are tiny, almost invisible flakes. They are very densely cover the stems and its branches. These thin plates have a microscopic structure. At magnification under a microscope, you can see a green grid with a small white cells.

Each cell is composed of a plurality of elongated living cells that are connected to each other. On closer examination it will become noticeable the emerald glow of the leaf plate.

Between the cells are transparent, the intervals irregularly-oval form. These cellular reservoirs are considered to be dead and empty. Scientists call them aquifer hyaline cells. When wet moss these cells are filled with moisture, whereby the plant acquires a greenish tint. The capacity of these cells is simply astounding: saturated water the moss can weigh 20 times more than in dry form.

Species of sphagnum

Many types of plants grow quite thick and dense clusters. They are able to form solid carpets or large pillows on special sphagnum bogs.

Dry sphagnum. This species has an unusual leaf plates, which have special cells. They are able to hold large amounts of fluid. The dry sphagnum moss is often used in suburban areas for sheltering heat-loving plants. This moss will not allow trees and shrubs to freeze in the winter. Besides, moss is an excellent fertilizer.

Sphagnum swamp. This dioecious moss forms large light-yellow tufts. The layered stems have outer cells with pores and helical thickenings on the walls. Rectangular stem leaves with special fibers do not have the side edges. The plant expressed chlorophyllose cells. The area of distribution is in the Northern borders of plains. In Russia this plant is often found in Siberia, the Urals, the far East and in the Caucasus. In some European countries can also be found dense thickets of marsh sphagnum.

Sphagnum mossy plants. Presents is very soft and porous plant with thick stems, and helical clusters. The stems are numerous branches, which at the top form a shaggy head. Small leaves expressed light green tint. They densely cover the stem. Under the microscope you can see an uncountable number of unique cells that have a high hygroscopicity. Suchnarrow green cells are connected at the ends, through which is visible the reticulated structure. Transparent dead compartments intended for filling with moisture. These kind of water tanks easily draw moisture and condensed vapors.

Contraindications to the use of sphagnum moss

No contraindications for the use of sphagnum is not revealed.