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HISTORICAL PLANTS OF BERGEN

Hylocomium splendens (glittering woodmoss)

This versatile moss has filled a niche in Bergen society for centuries.

Glittering woodmoss
Photo:
Bjørn Moe

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Archaeological excavations in Bergen have revealed many examples of latrine remains. All of them include large quantities of moss, which was used as toilet paper. Glittering woodmoss (Hylocomium splendens) was also commonly used together with peat moss (species of Sphagnum) as insulation between the logs of timber houses.

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