EDIBLE MOUNTAIN Sphagnum Moss

Рет қаралды 2,517

Күн бұрын

The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is a rare cluster of boreal bogs in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. It’s the largest area of bogs in the state.
Bogs are acidic wetlands with a spongy moss ground. Sphagnum moss grows there, and has for the last 20,000 years. Under the top coat of moss is partially-decayed plant material known as peat. These layers at the Cranberry glades are 10 to 20 feet deep.
Sphagnum is a genus of about 380 species of moss and there are a multitude of moss growing in the cranberry glades but it is the sphagnum that has made this special ecosystem.
Sphagnum moss is considered a “habitat manipulator” because it creates a very unique ecosystem of plants including carnivorous plants, orchids and wild cranberries among others that are rarely found thriving this far south. A lot of these out of place plants were dumped here by glaciers at the end of the last ice age.
The layers of living and dead Sphagnum can store large quantities of water inside their cells; Depending on the species, sphagnum may hold many times as much water as their dry weight. It’s basically a giant sponge holding water even during the dry spells, keeping the water-loving plants thriving.
Sometimes called “camper’s pampers,” humans have used the moss for its absorption properties for thousands of years. Many cultures have used it as diapers. The smaller bits of moss work like baby powder while the moss absorption keeps skin dry. The antiseptic properties can even help and heal diaper rash.
Sphagnum is also highly antiseptic and has been used to dress wounds as late as the First World War. Some other medicinal uses are insect repellent, and as an application for a wide array of skin irritations.
The peat created by sphagnum moss has also had wide use throughout time. It is sold all over the world as a garden medium and peat blocks are used as fuel for fires.
Some of the most well preserved bodies from the past have been discovered in peat bogs. With Cranberry glades being about 20,000 years old, there is no telling what kind of archeological treasures might be hidden deep inside the layers of peat. But those will stay hidden as any visitors to the glades must stay on the boardwalk. The ecology, though resilient, is fragile and easily disrupted. State park rangers and conservation officers implore all visitors to keep to the boardwalks that make this state gem accessible to visitors.
Edible Mountain is a bite-sized, digital series from WVPB that showcases some of Appalachia’s overlooked and underappreciated products of the forest while highlighting their mostly forgotten uses. The series features experts, from botanists to conservationists, who provide insight on how to sustainably forage these delicacies. It also explores the preparation of these amazing delectables, something that many could achieve in the home kitchen.