Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Jim on 05/05/2009 16:30:03

Title: What side of a tree trunk does moss grow?
Post by: Jim on 05/05/2009 16:30:03

Jim asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Why does moss grow on the north side of a tree in the northern hemisphere and on the south side, south of the equator?

Thanks, Jim from Mathews, Virginia

What do you think?

Title: What side of a tree trunk does moss grow?
Post by: Don_1 on 05/05/2009 17:02:09

Moss grows on the most shaded side of the trunk.

Title: What side of a tree trunk does moss grow?
Post by: Bored chemist on 05/05/2009 19:44:40

The outside.

Title: What side of a tree trunk does moss grow?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 06/05/2009 06:28:48

Quote from: Jim on 05/05/2009 16:30:03

Why does moss grow on the north side of a tree in the northern hemisphere and on the south side, south of the equator?

Is this a proven scientific fact?

Title: What side of a tree trunk does moss grow?
Post by: Don_1 on 06/05/2009 08:21:23

Quote from: Chemistry4me on 06/05/2009 06:28:48

Quote from: Jim on 05/05/2009 16:30:03

Why does moss grow on the north side of a tree in the northern hemisphere and on the south side, south of the equator?

Is this a proven scientific fact?

This may not be the case in very dense woodland, but in more open woodland moss will grow best on the most shaded side of a tree because it is less likely to dry out too quickly. Moss prefers damp shaded areas, the sunny side of a tree trunk is not the best place for it.

There may be moss all around a trunk in the more dense wooded areas, but there will usually still be a greater and healthier growth on the north side (in the northern hemisphere) although this may not be instantly noticeable.

I have no idea if there has been any scientific study to uphold this, I think it has just always been accepted as the case.