Sphagnum fuscum
Sphagnum fuscum | |
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Sphagnum fuscum | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Division: | Bryophyta |
Class: | Sphagnopsida |
Subclass: | Sphagnidae
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Order: | Sphagnales |
Family: | Sphagnaceae |
Genus: | Sphagnum |
Species: | S. fuscum
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Binomial name | |
Sphagnum fuscum (Schimp.) H.Klinggr.
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Sphagnum fuscum, the rusty bogmoss[1] or rusty peat moss, is a peat moss found commonly in Norway and Sweden, and can be found scattered across North America, the United Kingdom, and in southern to eastern Europe.[2]
Description
Endangerment
Sphagnum fuscum faces endangerment across much of the globe. Due to reductions in wetlands and development of these areas, the moss is referred to as “high risk” in Germany, while being on several Endangered species lists within some German states. Switzerland has labelled S. fuscum as vulnerable. In the United States, S. fuscum is reported to be at risk in the state of North Carolina. Across Europe, S. fuscum’s habitats are under protection. Germany and Switzerland have both placed the moss under “special protection.”
Associated species
This species is associated with Sphagnum angustifolium, S. fallax, S. magellanicum, S. papillosum, more infrequently with S. teres, and S. warnstorfii in richer sites.[4] Sphagnum fuscum is easily discernible from other species of Sphagnum, as it tends to be reddish brown in color, and is more likely to form hummocks.
Distribution
Known occurrence of Sphagnum fuscus are on the map above. The moss inhabits boreal forests and marshlands primarily, and is more likely to be found in colder climates. The moss is also capable of inhabiting areas of relatively high elevation.
Uses
In recent studies performed in Eastern Europe, it was found that stable carbon and oxygen isotope ratios in α-cellulose of Sphagnum fuscum stems subsampled from hummocks and peat plateau profiles are useful indicators for summer temperature and winter precipitation at decadal to millennial timescales.[5] In another study conducted in Alberta, Canada, it was found that S. fuscum serves as an indicator of high depositions of sulphur and nitrogen in substrates. S. fuscum grows in areas with high sulphur and nitrogen depositions, which is concomitant with the decreased pH of the soil.[6] Sphagnum has also been used historically for medicinal purposes. The moss itself has antimicrobial properties, and was therefore used as an effective filler for wounds to prevent infection. It also retains large amounts of moisture, which was quite useful in keeping the skin around a wound moist to prevent tissue death.
References
- ISSN 0268-8034.
- ^ "Sphagnum fuscum Klinggräf, 1872". Retrieved 17 December 2013.
- ISBN 9780956131010.
- ^ Andrus, Richard E. "Sphagnum fuscum". efloras.org. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
- S2CID 128940821.
- ^ Wieder, R. Kelman; et al. (2009). Nitrogen and sulphur deposition and the growth of Sphagnum fuscum in bogs of the Athabasca Oil Sands Region, Alberta. Villanova, PA: University of Villanova. pp. 161–170.