Sphagnum subnitens Lustrous Bog-moss

An autoicous bog-moss which grows in a variety of wet habitats such as marshy grassland, fens, ditches, flushed banks, wet rock ledges and wet woodland. It usually forms quite dense cushions with top-heavy capitula with a pinched or pointed centre. There are usually just three branches in the fascicles, one hanging down and the other two spreading. The outer branches often show distinct pink or reddish colouration which contrasts with the green centre of the capitulum, but sometimes plants are quite dingy. The common name alludes to the lustrous appearance of dry plants. It is a Suboceanic species with a distinct western and northern distribution in Britain. It is found throughout Wales and it is very common West Glamorgan. It is not a very acid-demanding species and it presence often indicates some degree of nutrient enrichment. Sporophyte capsules are common.