What are the functions of mosses?

Ecological function

Prevent soil erosion

Moss plants have a strong ability to absorb water, and grow very densely and rapidly, generally in dense clusters. The amount of water they absorb can sometimes reach 15 to 20 times their dry weight, thus helping to prevent soil erosion.

Promotes soil formation

During the growth process, moss plants secrete an acidic substance that dissolves the rock surface. At the same time, they continuously accumulate substances and moisture in the air, prompting the gradual formation of soil on the rock surface. The moss covering the soil surface can also prevent soil erosion and protect the formed soil.

Indicator function to detect air pollution level

The leaves of mosses are single-cell structures, and toxic gases can easily invade the leaf cells, causing the mosses to be unable to survive. Therefore, based on the sensitivity of mosses to toxic gases, observing the growth of mosses can be used to detect the air quality of the surrounding environment. It is generally difficult to find them around heavily polluted towns or factories.

Economic function

Ornamental value

Moss plants have a unique natural beauty. They grow densely, like a green velvet carpet drooping on the soil. They are very interesting and bring a calm and comfortable sensory experience. Recently it has also been widely used in landscaping.

Medicinal effects

Moss plants have a wide range of uses, in addition to the above, they also have medicinal effects. Relevant data show that there are many mosses from 18 families in the phylum Bryophyta that are known to be used for medicinal purposes, such as the Cucurbitaceae, Lanternaceae, Bead Mossaceae, etc. It has certain effects in the treatment of coronary heart disease, myocarditis, neurasthenia, mental illness, etc.