Sphagnum ones ("Rigida" and "Squarrosa") has been clarified using molecular phylogenetics. All but two species normally identified as "Sphagnum" reside in one clade; two other species have recently been separated into new families within the Sphagnales reflecting an ancestral relationship with the Tasmanian endemic "Ambuchanania" and long phylogenetic distance to the rest of "Sphagnum". Within main clade of "Sphagnum", phylogenetic distance is relatively short, and molecular dating methods suggest nearly all current "Sphagnum" species are descended from a radiation that occurred just 14 million years ago. "Sphagnum" mosses occur mainly in the Northern Hemisphere in peat bogs, conifer forests, and moist
Portlethen Moss have been enhanced by proximity to the sea and natural defensive protection of the moss to impede intruders. From Tacitus accounts of the Roman general Agricola, it is known that the Romans were daunted by Portlethen Moss, Netherley Red Moss, Cookney Moss and other local bogs that hindered travel. This is also evidenced by the Roman Camp of Raedykes having been established immediately south of this cluster of mosses; the Romans not being able to progress further north, turned inland toward Netherley.The Portlethen Moss is near the Grampian Mountains. The ancient Causey Mounth passage specifically connected the Bridge of Dee