Their unique and highly characteristic anatomy gives Sphagnum plants special properties which make many of them important ecologically and economically.

Sphagnum species have a pronounced capacity to exchange hydrogen ions for mineral cations, a feature of particular advantage in habitats where minerals needed for nutrition are in short supply.

The majority of Sphagnum species are unisexual (dioecious), though a few are monoecious (autoecious) with male and female sex organs on different branches of the same plant.

Special thanks to Sara, my wife, for the support she gave me, and for believing in this project.