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Arizona spikemoss
Scientific Name: Selaginella arizonica
Family: Selaginellaceae
Category: Lycopod
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Selaginella arizonica - Arizona Spikemoss
Selaginella arizonica, commonly known as Arizona spikemoss or Arizona clubmoss (Spanish: siempreviva), is a unique plant adapted to arid environments. It belongs to the spikemoss family, Selaginellaceae.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Selaginella arizonica Maxon
- Family: Selaginellaceae (Spikemoss Family)
- Rank: Species
- Synonyms/Common Names: Arizona clubmoss, Arizona spike moss, spike moss, siempreviva
- ITIS TSN: 505111
Distribution and Habitat
- Selaginella arizonica is found in the southwestern United States, specifically from west Texas to Arizona, and extends into Sonora, Mexico.
- It thrives in rocky habitats such as rocky slopes and cliffs, often in mountainous regions.
- Specific locations include the South Mountains in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona; Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, and Tinaja Altas, Arizona; Tucson Mountains, Pima County, Arizona.
Morphological Characteristics
- It's a moss-like plant that is non-flowering.
- The plant typically reaches a height of approximately 1 inch, with some variations reported.
- Stems are monomorphic and do not readily fragment when dry. The branch tips appear more.
Ecological Role
- It demonstrates remarkable resilience to drought, capable of drying out completely and reviving after rainfall.
- Forms large, dense clumps in its native habitat.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Associated with a fungal endophyte known as FL0768, found in Selaginella arenicola.
Further Information
- Flora of North America
- Dave's Garden
- ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System)
- United States Department of Agriculture
- University of Arizona