https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/188701500
It was an unusually sunny day in Homer, with the light bouncing off the sparkling bay, glistening in its full glory. The skies above stretched vast and clear, tinted with hues of blue that artists would dream of capturing on canvas. I was set to leave my beloved home the next day, and the thought itself evoked a mix of melancholy and anticipation over the reason for my travels. But today, I was intent on soaking in as much of Homer as I could, seeking something to ground me amidst the whirlwind of impending work through a little walk through my property. It was on this walk, I came across this felled log, home to a little patch of Cypress-leaved Plait-Moss.
Spread over the damp forest floor, these tiny, intricate mosses paint a carpet of green, exuding an aura of ancient wisdom and timelessness. Delicate and detailed, the moss seemed to have woven stories of the land in its dense, intricate mats. As I knelt closer to inspect, the moss's feathery leaves whispered secrets of the forest, holding tales of the earth and epochs gone by, I was struck by how many times I’ve breezed right by these tiny plants without a second thought.
Native Alaskans, deeply attuned to the land, have traditionally used mosses like these in multiple ways. From serving as insulation in their footwear and clothing to absorbing moisture in their homes, the moss played a pivotal role in their daily lives. In times of need, it also acted as a wound dressing, and menstrual pads thanks to its absorbent qualities (How Our Ancestors Used Moss). The symbiotic relationship between the indigenous people and moss, another testament to their profound respect for nature, left me awe-inspired.
Scientifically, the Cypress-leaved Plait-Moss, known as Hypnum cupressiforme, is fascinating. It thrives in various habitats, from woodland floors to rocky outcrops, adapting and finding its niche in diverse ecosystems. What's intriguing is its ability to survive in both extremely dry and wet conditions. The moss can lose a significant amount of its water content and remain dormant, only to rehydrate and rejuvenate when water becomes available (Hypnum Cupressiforme).
That day, amid the vastness of Homer's beauty, it was the modest Cypress-leaved Plait-Moss that offered me perspective and grounding. As I prepare to leave tomorrow, I carry with me not just my love for this magical place, but also the profound lessons from a tiny moss patch in the heart of my home.
Works Cited
"How Our Ancestors Used Moss." WabiMoss, 13 Apr. 2023, www.wabimoss.com/nature-immersion/practical-uses-mos.
"Hypnum Cupressiforme." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2 Apr. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnum_cupressiforme. Accessed 27 Oct. 2023.
Σχόλια
Sam;
First, I hope your travels are safe and your coming journey one that produces all that your heart desires.
I love little mosses; they are fascinating and beautiful. I have not noticed this one, the Cypress-leaved Plait Moss. Plait moss is a good name for them because they look like they have been braided together. It makes me wonder if, at some point in the thousands of years before, a brilliant person saw them and used them as examples of how to braid. It is incredible how they can get completely dried out and then absorb the water and become fully alive when the rains come. I guess they really don't die. I use a moss called sphagnum moss in my snake cage; although it's dead when I add water, it holds lots of water. I will go for a walk and see if I can find this beautiful plaited moss and give it the homage it deserves. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Again, good luck on your travels.
Gayleen
Hi Sam,
I’ve always loved moss and all the different varieties. I thought it was so beautiful, the way it decorated the tundra with its different colors and textures. The soft, green moss was like a pillow, and I loved laying on it as a child, while my mother picked berries. The crunchy, white moss, which we call reindeer moss, was always a nuisance because it clings to everything it touches. I agree with you in that it is usually something that is passed by without a second thought. Though I have always loved it, I have never given much thought to it being important. I had no idea how useful it was to our ancestors for so many different reasons. Great observation
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