Bryophyte pesticides. The liverwort, "Plagiochila," produces a chemical that is poisonous to mice. Other bryophytes produce chemicals that are antifeedants which protect them from being eaten by slugs. When "Phythium sphagnum" is sprinkled on the soil of germinating seeds, it inhibits growth of "damping off fungus" which would otherwise kill young seedlings. Commercial Peat is a fuel that is produced from dried bryophytes, typically "sphagnum." Bryophytes antibiotic properties and ability to retain water make them a useful packaging material for vegetables, flowers, and bulbs. Also, because of the antibiotic properties, "sphagnum" was used as a surgical dressing in World War I.
Lough Derravaragh south of this raised bog. Much of the high bog possesses vegetation typical of an Irish Midland raised bog, with such species as ling heather ("Calluna vulgaris") and hare's tail cottongrass ("Eriophorum vaginatum"). The hummock-forming bog moss, "Sphagnum papillosum" has been recorded situated around one third of the high bog as has the more scarce "Sphagnum imbricatum". Overall, sphagnum covers around one-third of the high bog area. The centre of the bog is wet with stagnant water in places. The aquatic bog moss "Sphagnum cuspidatum" has been recorded in the hollows of the bog. There are dried-out channels of the