On top of the sporophyte is a little capsule containing thousands of tiny spores. Then, when the time is right, the capsule bursts, ejecting the spores. If these spores land in a suitable place, new male and female stems will grow from them, and the cycle can begin again. The yellow spore capsules have holes at one end. When wind shakes the capsules, spores are shaken out like pepper from a pepper pot.
Sphagnum moss lives in bogs.
It can soak up 25 times its own dry weight in water. It is the main constituent in peat, which is used as fuel in Ireland and Scotland. Ferns Ferns prefer damp, shady places. Most live on the ground, but some grow on the leaves or stems of other plants. Like mosses, ferns grow new plants in two stages.