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Puerto Rico clubmoss

Scientific Name: Huperzia acerosa

Family: Lycopodiaceae

Category: Lycopod

Growth: Subshrub, Shrub, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Huperzia acerosa - Puerto Rico Clubmoss

Huperzia acerosa, commonly known as Puerto Rico Clubmoss, is a species of clubmoss found in several regions.

Considerations for Pets

  • Club mosses are sometimes grown in terrariums, so monitor pets' access to these environments.

Considerations for Children

  • Club mosses are sometimes grown in fairy gardens, so monitor child's access to these environments.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Huperzia acerosa (Sw.) Holub
  • Common Name: Puerto Rico Clubmoss
  • Rank: Species
  • Nomenclatural Reference: Folia Geobot. Phytotax. 20: 70. 1985.
  • Synonym: Phlegmariurus acerosus

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Puerto Rico.
  • Found in eastern Puerto Rico at upper middle to high elevations.
  • Also found in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and Trinidad.

Morphological Characteristics/Growth Habits

  • Epiphytic

Ecological Role

  • Mentioned in the context of succession on landslides in Puerto Rico.

Other Huperzia Species Mentioned

  • Huperzia appalachiana (Appalachian Clubmoss)
  • Huperzia serrata (Chinese club moss)

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Mentioned in association with mealybugs (Pseudococcidae and Pseudococcus) on avocados in Puerto Rico.

Further Information

  • Herbário do Departamento de Botânica.
  • Plantae of Costa Rica (INBio).
  • The New York Botanical Garden’s William and Lynda Steere Herbarium.