Syntrichia caninervis, a desert moss, has proven capable of surviving extreme environmental conditions, positioning it as a potential pioneer plant for colonization on Mars. Its resilience to freezing temperatures, high radiation, and simulated Martian conditions underscores its suitability for extraterrestrial habitats. Credit: Sheri Hagwood, hosted by the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
The desert moss Syntrichia caninervis could be key to colonizing DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2024.100657
This research was supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Leading Talents in Technological Innovation Program, and The Third Xinjiang Scientific Expedition Program.