Arctic Moss

It's hard to think that such a tiny plant is capable of killing a person. I'm standing on the shores of Ile Austailere, and the rocks are covered in arctic moss. The leaves and stem are commonly used as an antiseptic, but the spores contain oil which is poisonous to people. The spore capsule also contains this poisonous oil. Today, I'm joined by Ygritt Torvarson, a doctor and researcher who specializes in studying arctic moss.

— Talia Hrynvar

In the northern reaches off the coast of Tamaris, a small plant grows in normally inhospitable conditions. Barren rocky shores hardly seem like a good place to put down roots, but the arctic moss defies normality. This small plant is used across the continent to pack in wounds as an antiseptic. Once it reaches maturity, arctic moss can live on forever, and it reproduces quickly. Harvesting has little impact on the quantity of moss available, but it can't be cultivated further south. Moss harvesters spend the summer months collecting and drying moss to bring back to the rest of Tamaris before winter sets in.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Arctic moss typically consists of a single stem with simple leaves wrapping around the stem in a spiral pattern. It clings to rocks via a primitive root structure. Like other mosses, arctic moss doesn't have vascular tissue, and the leaves absorb water directly. The stem is soft and pliable, and the moss can withstand considerable pressure before breaking. The moss is also able to withstand freezing temperatures and has a kind of antifreeze in its cells to prevent them from bursting.

Genetics and Reproduction

Arctic moss reproduces through spores. During its sporophyte phase, the moss grows a leafy structure that's either male or female. The pressure of a water droplet on the male part is enough to release the sperm which hopefully land on the female part of another moss. Once the egg is fertilized, the female part grows a long stalk ends in a spore capsule. The stalk doubles the height of the moss. A few days after appearing, the spore capsule opens, and the wind carries the spores to crevices in other rocks where they can germinate and grow more arctic moss.

Ecology and Habitats

Arctic moss is common on the islands north of Tamaris. It is usually harvested from Ile Austailere, a large island north of Samoir. Only Petrek and Samoir control islands that grow arctic moss. Mostly, it's found on the rocks near the shore, though any rock will do, It grows densely and on Lunvirdorok Island, most of the island is coated in a carpet of arctic moss.

Even in summer, Ile Austailere is chilly. Sea birds are diving for fish not far from here, and for now, the island is teeming with life. But the good times this far north don't last, and in a couple months, it'll be desolate and unforgiving. Winter temperatures drop well below freezing, and for most plants, that would be a death sentence. But the arctic moss clings to its rocks and stays green all through the winter. It's constantly dark, and these rocks where I'm standing are usually covered in snow and ice. But this tough little plant survives year after year.

— Talia Hrynvar

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The leaves and stem of arctic moss are commonly used as an antiseptic. They're applied as is into a wound and held in place with linen bandages. Once in place, the moss can be left for up to two days before needing to be replaced, a far longer period of time than alternative materials. The moss doesn't stick to the wound either which makes the ordeal of changing bandages less painful for the patient.
The spores and spore capsule can be boiled to extract oil. The oil is them skimmed off the surface of the pot and is used as a poison. Upon entering the bloodstream, it coagulates and causes either a heart attack or stroke. Only small amounts of oil are needed to be fatal, and it is impossible to detect after death

Arctic moss oil isn't a true poison, though that's how most people think about it. It disobeys the laws of nature and becomes solid at close to body temperature. It can also perfectly return to a liquid state when it cools. The oil isn't actually a very good killer, though that's the reputation. Most people think that you can put some oil on a knife, stab someone, and that'll kill them. Usually not. This goes back to the oil not really being a poison. All it does is form into a solid which, provided it clumps near the heart or brain, certainly will kill you. In other parts of the body, it's less noticeable. From a more scientific standpoint, I'm interested in its properties. The moss needs the oil to remain liquid even below freezing, and the spores may use it as an alternate food source when it germinates. Though I can't yet say for certain, I have a hypothesis that the oil is also in the leaves and is part of the moss' natural antifreeze. We use the moss whole, so the oil never has the chance to enter the body.

— Ygritt Torvarson

Lifespan

Indefinite

Conservation Status

Common

Average Height

2.5cm - 5cm

Applying Arctic Moss

Cut or tear a clump of dried moss approximately the size of the wound. The moss expands, so it is better to err on the side of less than more. Flush the wound first with clean water, then lay the moss over the area. Gently press it evenly into the wound, but do not pack it in tightly. The moss should retain its springy quality. Wrap a linen bandage around the affected area to hold the moss in place. Repeat the process every two days until the wound heals. Burn the used moss. It should never be reused.