And when it starts to take over a stone statue or a brick walkway, the moss imparts a sort of magical, fairy tale ... Most common backyard or forest mosses like plenty of shade and moisture ...

British ecologists have even resurrected a "zombie" moss that has been trapped in the permafrost for 1,500 years. Associated with decay and disliked in Europe, mosses are deified in Japan.

Anansi is walking in the forest when he stumbles upon a magic rock. When he says the words 'Isn't this a strange, moss-covered rock!' he falls asleep and this gives him an idea - if only he can ...