shining firmoss

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• shining firmoss
• shining fir-moss

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Huperzia lucidula var. tryonii
• Lycopodium lucidulum
• Lycopodium lucidulum var. tryonii
• Lycopodium selago var. lucidulum
• Urostachys lucidulus var. reclinatus
• Urostachys lucidulus
• Huperzia selago subsp. lucidula

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Lycopodiidae and the order Lycopodiales, it is a member of the family Lycopodiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Huperzia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several Canadian provinces. In Western Canada, its presence is noted within the province of Manitoba. Moving to Eastern Canada, it can be found throughout Ontario. The species also inhabits the Atlantic provinces, specifically in New Brunswick. Additionally, its range extends to the islands of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Huperzia lucidula is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a member of the lycopod lineage, its life cycle is defined by a distinct alternation of generations involving a dominant sporophyte stage and a microscopic gametophyte stage. The visible, perennial sporophyte develops from a subterranean rhizome, which allows the plant to survive unfavorable environmental conditions and regrow annually. Reproduction occurs through the production of spores within strobili (cones) located at the tips of the stems; once released, these spores germinate into tiny, independent, photosynthetic gametophytes that live in the soil or leaf litter. These gametophytes eventually produce sperm and eggs, and upon fertilization, a new diploid sporophyte emerges, continuing the long-lived cycle of this resilient forest-dwelling species.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Huperzia lucidula is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically classified as a forb. It exhibits a self-supporting growth habit, meaning it does not function as a climber and remains upright through its own structural integrity without the need for external support.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Huperzia lucidula has 26 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lucidine A, Lucidine B, 12-Epilycodoline, 16-Oxoserratriol, 21-Episerratenediol.

Lucidine A

1. Dr. Duke
2. Phytochemistry

Lucidine B

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2. Phytochemistry

12-Epilycodoline

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16-Oxoserratriol

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21-Episerratenediol

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BETA-SITOSTEROL

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Dihydrolycolucine

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Flabelliformine

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Lucidioline

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Luciduline

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Activities

Huperzia lucidula has 67 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include ANS-Paralytic, ANS-Stimulant, Addictive, Analgesic, Androgenic.

ANS-Paralytic

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ANS-Stimulant

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Addictive

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Analgesic

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Androgenic

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Angiogenic

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Anorectic

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Anorexic

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Antiadenomic

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Antiandrogenic

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