Mosses

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If you visit a deciduous woodland in January you'll notice that the vivid green of the mosses really seem to stand out.  At this of year mosses are at their most lively. The damp weather is perfect for these tiny plants to reproduce.

Mosses reproduce by releasing microscopic spores into the air.  The spores are contained in a tiny capsule which grows up from the moss on a fine stalk.  The release of spores is usually controlled by a fringe of flexible teeth around the mouth of the capsule.  These teeth are highly sensitive to changes in air humidity.  If you look at a ripe moss capsule with a hand lens you'll notice that your breathing will cause the teeth to open and close.

More info at: UK Safari Mosses Section