'Killer fungus' could be good news for habitats decimated by invasive moss
Summary
Scientists in Britain have discovered a new fungus that kills an invasive moss called heath-star moss, which has been harming native habitats. This fungus could help restore areas where native mosses have declined due to the invasive species.Key Facts
- The new fungus, called moss die-back, kills the invasive heath-star moss in the UK.
- Heath-star moss spreads quickly and can grow in places like hillsides, sand dunes, and even tarmac.
- This invasive moss arrived in Britain around the 1940s and spread widely by 1990.
- Native mosses are important for habitats like cool rainforests and peatlands, which help store carbon.
- The fungus was discovered by Dr. George Greiff in 2019 while walking on the Isle of Wight.
- The fungus creates "fairy rings of death," visible as brown dead patches on the moss.
- The fight against invasive species like this moss supports the recovery of native plants.
- There are over 1,000 types of moss in the UK, many of which are threatened by invasive species.
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