Rockin' in rhythm, growth dynamics of the peat moss Sphagnum

The genus Sphagnum is an essential component in the formation and maintenance of high latitude peatlands, bogs and mires. The species grows in dense, extended mats of agglomerated shoots that allow it to retain water necessary for its growth. These mats are partly responsible for maintaining the right conditions for other species in these wetlands to thrive. In this issue of Physiologia Plantarum, Mironov et al. (2020) monitored the growth of Sphagnum riparium for a period of 4 years and revealed three distinct growth rhythms: a seasonal temperature dependent, a circalunar and a third one, synchronized with the circalunar. This synchronised nature of Sphagnum growth could contribute to its position as a key species in the maintenance of peatlands.