Portlethen Moss millennia of evaporation, further intensifying the soil acidity, fueled by organic matter decaying, with little drainage outlet. A layer of sphagnum moss would have developed at the benthic level of the bog, and additional sphagnum layers floated in mats atop the bog. At an intermediate level of evolution, thick peat layers formed from decay and carbonisation of the rotting sphagnum. Generations of carex and juncus flourished, leading to further decay of these materials and eventual heightening of the organic mass. Finally, secondary vegetation took root in the spongy sphagnum mats adding greater biomass to the bog.In some cases the heavy
Sphagnum cuspidatum branch leaves can sometimes be faintly serrated. "S. cuspidatum" is a dioecious species. The spores produced are 29-38 µm, covered with large papillae on both surfaces, and appear to be covered in small blisters (pusticulate). "S. cuspidatum" can be found on wet humus under forests and on the bases of trees forming a hummock-hollow complex; in or near bogs. Distinguishing "Sphagnum cuspidatum" from "Sphagnum viride" is sometimes difficult as both occur over a similar geographic range and both grow in wet carpets. "Sphagnum cuspidatum" has narrower branch leaves and usually a distinct red tinge at the branch bases within the