By: Jingwei Zhao

Chinese scientists claim to have discovered a type of moss that can survive and thrive on Mars. That Latin name for the plant is Syntrichia caninervis, and it is normally found in harsh or nearly unlivable environments like the Mojave Desert in America or the freezing Antarctica.

On Mars, this plant’s endurance will be put to the test. The conditions in Mars include extremely cold temperatures, drought, and immense amounts of radiation. However, the moss endured the struggles it was up against.

The team of scientists explain that their work is one of the first in diving into how plants can survive a Martian atmosphere. The researchers examined how the moss handled the cruel conditions. First, it had to handle an atmosphere made from 95% carbon dioxide gas, which is a temperature lower than –196 degrees Celsius, as well as low atmospheric pressure and ultra violet radiation caused by the Sun. Despite the unbearable circumstances, the moss not only held its ground, but thrived in the environment.

According to Professor Stuart McDaniel, a moss expert at the University of Florida that was not a part of the study, “This paper is exciting because it shows that desert moss survives short exposures to some of the stresses that are likely to be found on a trip to Mars, including very high levels of radiation, very cold temperatures, and very low oxygen levels.”

Scientists believe these studies are a step forward in growing plants on Mars. Edward Guinan, a professor from Villanova University, optimistically says, “This lowly desert moss offers hope for making small portions of Mars habitable for humankind in the future.”

Image Credit by Alfo Medeiros