The UI Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences' "Understanding Urban Moss" Webinar Raises Awareness of Urban Plant Diversity

In an effort to broaden public insight regarding plant diversity in urban areas, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI), through the Department of Biology and Herbarium Depokensis (UIDEP), held a scientific presentation delivered by Afiatry Putrika, M.Si., a lecturer and researcher in the field of botany, specifically the moss plant group (Bryophyta).

This activity was packaged in the form of a webinar entitled "Getting to Know Urban Moss from the University of Indonesia's Green Open Space Area," which took place on Saturday (27/7).

Mosses are often overlooked, even mistakenly perceived as slimy algae that cause slippery surfaces. Scientifically, however, mosses are a group of nonvascular plants that play a vital ecological role in various ecosystems, including urban areas like the University of Indonesia (UI) campus in Depok.

"Mosses are not just small plants that grow in damp places; they are guardians of urban ecosystems that often go unnoticed," Afiatry said, beginning her presentation.

Afiatry explained that moss has a very simple body structure. Without vascular tissue like xylem and phloem, moss absorbs water and nutrients directly from its surface, a crucial adaptation that allows it to survive in humid to semi-arid environments.

Taxonomically, mosses have long been a complex topic in systematic botany. Originally classified within the single large division Bryophyta, this group is now divided into three divisions based on separate evolutionary lines: Bryophyta (true mosses), Marchantiophyta (liverworts), and Anthocerotophyta (hornworts). These three divisions have their own diagnostic characters, both morphologically and physiologically.

The UI campus itself is home to a diverse range of moss species, reflecting the high biodiversity of urban flora. True mosses in the area are spread across eight families, including Calymperaceae and Hypnaceae, which are commonly found growing on rocks and hard surfaces. Liverworts, such as those from the Lejeuneaceae family, are often found on tree trunks, while Marchantiaceae are frequently found on campus walls and gutters.

"Lichens are not a simple group scientifically; they are divided into three distinct divisions, evolutionarily and morphologically. Interestingly, these three groups can be found within the UI campus, demonstrating that even urban spaces possess an extraordinary wealth of flora," he added.

More than just species diversity, moss plays various ecological functions in urban environments: As a pioneer plant in the process of ecological succession, Stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, Increasing soil moisture, and Acting as a bioindicator of air quality through the calculation of the Air Purity Index (IAP).

The presented biomonitoring study shows that IAP values in residential areas and industrial areas around Depok reflect high to very high levels of pollution, emphasizing the importance of moss as a biological warning system.

Beyond their ecological benefits, mosses also have economic and aesthetic value in horticulture and landscape design. Innovations like the urban moss biofilter developed by the German company Green City Solution, as well as artistic practices like Kokedama and Preserved Moss Art, demonstrate the plant's immense potential in the fields of bioprospecting and modern ecological art.

Through this scientific presentation, Afiatry emphasized the importance of changing the public's perspective on this small plant: from being considered trivial or even disgusting, to becoming an important living creature that supports the balance of the urban ecosystem and opens up opportunities for further research in the fields of botany, ecology, and bioinspiration.

"By recognizing and understanding their role, we can see how important their presence is in maintaining environmental quality in the city," Afiatry concluded her presentation.

Herbarium Depokensis (UIDEP), a plant conservation and research institution at the University of Indonesia, remains committed to expanding access to botanical science literacy for the wider public. This presentation is part of that mission and an invitation to take a closer look at the biodiversity that exists right around us.