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
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