mountrainiernps: Landscape Language Sporophyte (noun) –…
Landscape Language
Sporophyte (noun) – spore-producing phase of plants
How do you grow new moss? Plants actually have a complicated life cycle that utilizes both sexual and asexual phases. When reproducing asexually, the plant grows a sporophyte structure. In moss, this looks like a tiny stalk, topped in a capsule. This sporophyte will release spores that grow into new moss. Look closer next time to see if you can spot the sporophytes on moss.
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NPS Photos, of dew drops on moss sporophytes. Description: Top: Close up shot of clear drops of dew cling to the tops of tiny reddish stalks growing out of a layer of green moss. Bottom: A wider view showing numerous stalks growing out of moss. ~kl
Reposted from https://lies.tumblr.com/post/190404332035.
