Huperzia crassa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Phlegmariurus crassus
• Urostachys crassus
• Lycopodium crassum

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Lycopodiidae and order Lycopodiales, it is a member of the family Lycopodiaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Huperzia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Huperzia crassa, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across parts of North and Central America. In the northernmost extent of its range, it can be found within the Southwest region of Mexico. Moving southward into Central America, the species is documented in the country of Guatemala. Its presence continues through the region, with established populations located in Honduras. Finally, the geographical range extends further south to include the nation of Costa Rica and the country of Panamá.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Huperzia crassa is defined by its specialized niche within high-altitude montane environments, where it thrives under specific topographic and atmospheric conditions. This species is primarily distributed across a distinct altitudinal gradient, occupying mountainous terrains that provide the necessary moisture and cool temperatures required for its growth. Its ecological presence is strictly bounded by elevation, ranging from a minimum of 2000 m AMSL to a maximum of 4700 m AMSL. Within this vertical range, the plant is typically found in shaded, humid microhabitats, often associated with moist soil or rocky substrates in subalpine and alpine zones. The high-elevation limit of 4700 m AMSL indicates an ability to withstand significant environmental stressors, including intense solar radiation and lower oxygen levels, while its lower boundary ensures it remains within specific climatic belts characteristic of its native montane habitats.

Elevational range max:

4700 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

2000 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Huperzia crassa is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, which exhibits a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a liana, vine, or climber. This plant is fundamentally terrestrial in its ecological habit, distinguishing it from aquatic or semiaquatic species, and it functions as an independent organism without exhibiting any parasitic behavior. As a terrestrial species, it does not possess epiphytic qualities, such as being a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte, but instead maintains a stable, non-woody existence within its ground-based habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Huperzia crassa has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 21-Episerratenediol, Serratenediol.

21-Episerratenediol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Serratenediol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Huperzia crassa has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include purgatives.

Purgatives

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology