moss

Any of a large group of plants belonging to the class Musci, of the division Bryophyta (see bryophyte). Each moss plant consists of an erect "stem" to which primitive "leaves" are attached. The plants are anchored by root-like rhizoids. Mosses are distributed worldwide and are usually found in woods and other damp habitats. They are often early colonizers of bare soil and play an important role in preventing soil erosion. Sphagnum debris is an important constituent of peat.

Related category

• BOTANY

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