Sphagnum The moss inhibits the growth of microbes and reduces the need for chlorine in swimming pools. In New Zealand, both the species "S. cristatum" and "S. subnitens" are harvested by hand and exported worldwide for use as hanging basket liners, as a growing medium for young orchids, and mixed with other potting mixes to enhance their moisture retaining value. Peat moss is a critical element for growing mushrooms. The fungal mycelium grows in compost with a layer of peat moss on top, through which the mushrooms come out, a process called casing. Peat moss, dead or alive, is also a
Sphagnum palustre marshy meadows, but rarely in moors. The species often forms large carpets, sometimes bulge-shaped. It is often accompanied by "Sphagnum fimbriatum", "Sphagnum subnitens", and "Sphagnum squarrosum". "Sphagnum palustre" is invading the native habitat at Ka'ala, O'ahu, Hawai'i. It became established after a sample was brought to the island by a botanist in 1960. Although the environment does not allow the plant to reproduce sexually via spores, it is capable of spreading through vegetative reproduction. It currently occupies an area estimated at 17.3 acres. Coordinated eradication efforts have proved difficult. Sphagnum palustre is found all over the British Isles. It is