SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 40739.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "40739" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

spiny spikemoss

Scientific Name: Selaginella acanthonota

Family: Selaginellaceae

Category: Lycopod

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Selaginella acanthonota: Spiny Spikemoss

Selaginella acanthonota, commonly known as Spiny Spikemoss, is a fascinating plant with a unique history and distribution. This page will provide you with information about its taxonomy, habitat, and other interesting aspects.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that at least one related species of spikemoss has leaves with long, spiny hairs on the margins. Check if Selaginella acanthonota also possesses this characteristic.

Considerations for Children

  • As above, the text mentions that at least one related species of spikemoss has leaves with long, spiny hairs on the margins. Check if Selaginella acanthonota also possesses this characteristic.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Selaginella acanthonota Underw.
  • Family: Selaginellaceae (Spikemoss Family)
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonyms:
    • Selaginella acanthonota Underwood
    • Selaginella arenicola subsp. acanthonota (Underwood) R. Tryon
    • Bryodesma acanthonota (Underwood) &#352koda (although this is referenced in the context of Riddell's Spikemoss and may not be a direct synonym)

Common Names

  • Spiny Spikemoss
  • Sandy Spikemoss
  • Sand Spikemoss

Distribution and Habitat

  • Selaginella acanthonota is a very locally distributed species.
  • It grows in dry, sandy habitats, specifically on grit and sandstone outcrops.
  • It is found in North Carolina.
  • It is also associated with Longleaf Pine / Turkey Oak environments.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Selaginella acanthonota is a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
  • It is a perennial, indicating it has a lifespan of more than two years.
  • One related species of spikemoss has leaves with long, spiny hairs on the side towards the apex.

Ecological Role

  • It appears to be associated with specific plant communities, such as those dominated by turkey oaks and loblolly pines.

Additional Information

  • Spikemosses and Quillworts are heterosporous, while Clubmosses are homosporous.

Resources

  • United States Department of Agriculture
  • THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO LIBRARY
  • Species.wikimedia.org