_______ is used by gardeners to keep cut plants moist during transportation and propagation

Options

A. Marchantia
B. Sphagnum
C. Equisetum
D. Funaria

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Purpose**: The question asks for a substance used by gardeners to keep cut plants moist during transportation and propagation.

2. **Analyze the Options**: The options provided are:
- Merchantia
- Spagnum
- Equisetum
- Funaria

3. **Understand Each Option**:
- **Merchantia**: A type of liverwort, not known for moisture retention.
- **Equisetum**: Also known as horsetail, primarily used for its medicinal properties, not for moisture retention.
- **Funaria**: A type of moss, but not specifically known for its moisture-retaining capabilities.
- **Spagnum (Sphagnum)**: Known as peat moss, it is recognized for its high moisture retention capacity.

4. **Select the Best Option**: Among the options, **Sphagnum** is the best choice because it has a high water retention capacity, which helps keep cut plants moist during transportation and propagation.

5. **Explain the Characteristics of Sphagnum**:
- Sphagnum grows in semi-aquatic areas, such as acidic marshes.
- The older cells of Sphagnum do not decompose after death, leading to accumulation over time.
- This accumulation forms a solidified mass that retains a lot of moisture, making it ideal for keeping cut plants hydrated.

6. **Conclude the Answer**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is **Sphagnum**.

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