Abstract
It may be true of men; it is certainly true of Sphagnum. The plants grow at the apex, as do most other mosses. The apex produces initials which develop into branches of determinate growth, though in a few cases (S. cuspidatum var. plumosum for example), the branches may themselves branch. Whilst the branches are increasing in length the internodes of the main stem do not elongate. This results in the branches and attendant leaves forming a compact hemispherical head — the coma or capitulum. Later, after branch growth has finished, the internodes do elongate; it then becomes obvious that the branches are borne in groups (fascicles) on the central stem. Each branch bears 30 to 150 spirally arranged imbricate leaves. These leaves are one cell thick, with the unique and well known differentiation into porose hyaline cells with thickened hoops, and enclosed or chlorophyllose cells. The branches may be spreading or pendent and clasping the stem (Fig. 8.1). The individual leaves live for a year or two, but by that time the growth of branches above has put them into dense shade and they die. The only parts left alive at this distance below the apex seem to be the axillary buds. These usually remain inactive, and eventually die, but if the apex is destroyed, either artificially (for example, by cutting if off) or accidentally (for example, by drought) then one or more lateral buds may begin to grow again from as far as 10 cm below the apex.
I held it truth with him who sings…, That men may rise on stepping stones Of their dead selves to higher things.
Tennyson In Memoriam A.H.H.
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Clymo, R.S., Hayward, P.M. (1982). The Ecology of Sphagnum . In: Smith, A.J.E. (eds) Bryophyte Ecology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5891-3_8
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