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Mossy Clubmoss

Selaginella kraussiana

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Order:
Selaginellales
Family:
Selaginellaceae (Lesser Clubmoss)
Also in this family:
Type:
Clubmoss
Maximum Size:
40 centimetres long
Habitats:
Gardens, grassland, seaside, wasteland, woodland.
Flower:
Flowerless. Clubmosses have cones instead which produce the seeds.
Fruit:
The cones are unstalked.
Leaves:
A mat-forming perennial clubmoss with flattened stems, reaching up to just 5cm tall at most. The leaves are fern-like in appearance and are in four rows. Two leaves are pressed closely to the stem and the other two are longer and more spreading. Frequently seen growing in greenhouses but occasionally escapes. Sometimes seen in churchyards.
Other Names:
African Clubmoss, Krauss' Clubmoss, Kraus's Clubmoss, Krauss' Spikemoss, Mat Spike Moss, Southern Spikemoss, Spreading Clubmoss, Trailing Spike Moss.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Other Information

Summary

Selaginella kraussiana, also known as Krauss' spikemoss or southern spikemoss, is a species of plant in the family Selaginellaceae. It is native to Africa, including countries such as South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Krauss' spikemoss is a small, herbaceous plant that grows in a creeping or spreading habit. It has small, scale-like leaves and produces small, green or brownish-green flowers. It is commonly used in horticulture as an ornamental plant, and it is also used in traditional medicine in some parts of Africa.

Blog

Mossy Clubmoss, also known as Selaginella kraussiana, is a unique species of plant found in different parts of the world, including the southern United States and parts of Africa. This plant is a member of the Selaginella family and is a low-growing, evergreen groundcover that is often used for landscaping and gardening purposes.

Appearance

Mossy Clubmoss has bright green, delicate foliage that forms a dense mat and creates a beautiful, moss-like appearance. The leaves are small and are arranged in a way that resembles ferns. The stems of the plant are thin and delicate, and the plant produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers.

Growing Conditions

Mossy Clubmoss is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, but can also grow in full sun and shady areas. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist and not to let it dry out completely. Mossy Clubmoss is not frost-tolerant, so it should be protected from cold temperatures.

Uses

Mossy Clubmoss is often used as a groundcover in landscaping and gardening projects. Its delicate foliage and low-growing habit make it ideal for use in rock gardens, as a border plant, or as a groundcover in woodland gardens. It can also be used as a houseplant or as a terrarium plant, as it is well-suited to growing in low light conditions.

Propagation

Mossy Clubmoss can be propagated by division or by rooting stem cuttings. To propagate by division, simply separate the clumps of plants and replant them in separate pots or areas of your garden. To propagate by stem cuttings, simply take a cutting of the stem and place it in a pot of moist soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in bright, indirect light. In a few weeks, roots should develop and the cutting will begin to grow into a new plant.

Conclusion

Mossy Clubmoss is a unique and attractive plant that is well-suited to a variety of growing conditions. Its delicate foliage and low-growing habit make it ideal for use in landscaping and gardening projects, and it is also well-suited to growing as a houseplant or in a terrarium. With its ease of care and versatility, Mossy Clubmoss is a great choice for any gardener looking to add a touch of green to their space.

More Information

In addition to its ornamental value, Mossy Clubmoss also has some medicinal properties. Traditionally, the plant has been used by indigenous communities to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, fevers, and skin conditions. The plant contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making it a useful natural remedy for various health conditions.

It is also worth noting that Mossy Clubmoss is a primitive vascular plant, meaning that it is one of the earliest plants to have developed a system for transporting water and nutrients throughout its tissues. This makes it a valuable plant for those interested in botany and the evolution of plant life on Earth.

Mossy Clubmoss is a versatile and attractive plant that is well-suited to a variety of uses, both ornamental and medicinal. Whether you are looking to add some greenery to your home or garden, or you are interested in the evolution of plant life, this unique species is worth considering.

Mossy Clubmoss is also important for wildlife in the areas it grows. The plant provides habitat and food for a variety of insects and small animals, including butterflies and moths. The dense foliage provides protection from predators, while the small flowers offer nectar for pollinators.

It is also an important plant in the world of horticulture, as it is often used as a parent plant in the creation of new hybrid species. This is due to its adaptability, ease of care, and versatility, making it a popular choice for breeders and growers.

In terms of care, Mossy Clubmoss is relatively low-maintenance and is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, it is important to keep an eye out for fungal infections, as the plant prefers moist soil conditions and can become susceptible to certain types of fungal growth.

Mossy Clubmoss is a unique and fascinating plant that offers a variety of benefits, both ornamental and functional. Whether you are a gardener, a botanist, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, this species is worth considering for your collection.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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