T.E.R:R.A.I.N - Taranaki Educational Resource: Research, Analysis and Information Network

Mosses (Local & NZ)

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Bryophyta

Mosses, the most common, diverse and advanced brypophytes, are categorized into three classes:
Peat Mosses (Sphagnopsida),
Granite Mosses (Andreaopsida), and
"True" Mosses (Bryopsida or Musci).

Mosses are small, soft plants that are typically 1–10 cm tall, though some species are much larger. They commonly grow close together in clumps or mats in damp or shady locations. They do not have flowers or seeds, and their simple leaves cover the thin wiry stems. At certain times mosses produce spore capsules which may appear as beak-like capsules borne aloft on thin stalks.