Sphagnum cribrosum
Sphagnaceae
usually of two distinctly different types;
branch leaves that are normally inrolled and broadest ca. 1/4–1/3 the distance from the base, more or less tapered to a cucullate to involute apex;
stem leaves more or less flat and usually broadest at the base;
both leaf types of a network of hyaline, dead cells and green chlorophyllose cells;
pores and reinforcing fibrils frequent in branch leaf hyaline cells and uncommon in stem leaf hyaline cells.
ovate-ligulate, apex broad, rounded, and truncate, hyaline cells with 20–40 small (less than 0.25 cell diameter) in mostly 2 rows.
released by explosive opening of operculum.
thallose.
lacking.
consisting of a spherical capsule with pseudostomata on capsule surface, a very short seta, and a foot, exserted on a pseudopodium of gametophyte tissue.
Sphagnum cribrosum
Sphagnaceae
Besides having different branch leaf porosity, Sphagnum cribrosum is usually distinguishable from the closely related S. macrophyllum by its paler brown color and distinctly broader and more truncate branch leaves. “Wave forms” of both S. cribrosum and S. macrophyllum, seemingly developed in response to growing in shallow water where wave action is common, can have very odd phenotypes that may look more like Fontinalis than Sphagnum.
(Discussion copyrighted by Flora of North America; reprinted with permission.)
The sphagnum mosses, or peat mosses, are unique not only morphologically but also ecologically. With their abundant clear cells they can retain up to 25 times their dry weight in water, and a uniquely strong acidifying power permits sphagnum to direct succession wherever conditions are suitable for them to flourish. Much of the earth’s surface with a cool humid climate is dominated, thus, by sphagnum peatlands.
Genus 1, species ca. 285 (89 species in the flora).
(Discussion copyrighted by Flora of North America; reprinted with permission.)
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