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The researchers collected moss samples from ecosystems around the globe – from tropical rainforest to polar landscapes through to arid deserts. Macromitrium urceolatum, found predominantly in Southern hemisphere. Even the largest moss, Dawsonia superba, a species native to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, only reaches heights of up to 50cm – a giant among mosses, yet still smaller than the average houseplant.īut in fact, mosses help hold up entire ecosystems. The smallest mosses, known as micromosses, measure only a few millimetres in length. They are helping scientists understand the evolution of life, and are one of the most ancient plant groups alive today.Ī recent study by an Australian research team found that mosses are the lifeblood of habitats around the world, with plants and soil in better shape almost everywhere they grow.ĭespite their importance, mosses are often overlooked due to their diminutive size. Their almost unique resilience allows them to grow practically everywhere on Earth. You can listen to more articles from The Conversation, narrated by Noa, here.īut this group of plants, which actually comprises between 12,000 and 15,000 species, is astonishing.

It blends in against the green background of plant life, and seems to grow everywhere – whether you want it to or not. When people consider extraordinary plants, most probably don’t spare a thought for moss.