Plait moss (Hypnum cuppressiforme), may be one of the most common moss types on earth but Lincoln University post-graduate ecology student, Rebecca Dollery is hopeful it may hold the key to successful germination of key plant species found in Ngāi Tahu Farming kānuka reserves. Hypnum cupressiforme, the cypress-leaved plait moss or hypnum moss, is a common and widespread species of moss belonging to the genus Hypnum. It is found in all continents except Antarctica and occurs in a wide variety of habitats and climatic zones. All the same, Rebecca was surprised to find it in abundance in the remnant kānuka stands at Te Whenua Hou, in what is essentially a dry plains environment. “When we first planned the biodiversity programme we were unsure of which species to plant in restoration areas,” says Rebecca. “That prompted an in-depth study of nearby reserves and remnant kānuka stands at Te Whenua Hou that … Continue reading The merits of moss