Huperzia reflexa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Plananthus reflexus
• Urostachys reflexus
• Phlegmariurus reflexus

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Lycopodiidae and the order Lycopodiales. Finally, it falls into the family Lycopodiaceae and is identified by the genus Huperzia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across various regions of Mexico. Its distribution is notably extensive, covering the central parts of the country in Mexico Central. Furthermore, it can be found stretching toward the eastern coast within Mexico Northeast and Mexico Gulf. The species also inhabits the rugged terrain of Mexico Southwest. Finally, its range extends into the tropical areas of Mexico Southeast.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Huperzia reflexa is defined by its broad altitudinal adaptability and its presence in diverse, specialized ecosystems. The species exhibits a wide elevational range, spanning from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum of 3000 m AMSL, with a mean elevation of approximately 2270 m AMSL. This vertical distribution allows it to inhabit various environmental niches, specifically within Campo de Altitude (high-altitude grasslands), Campo Limpo (open fields), and Floresta Ombrófila (rainforests/pluvial forests). Additionally, the plant is found growing in Vegetação Sobre Afloramentos Rochosos (vegetation on rocky outcrops), indicating a capacity to thrive in both densely forested, humid environments and more exposed, lithophytic habitats.

Elevational range max:

3000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2270 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Campo de Altitude, Campo Limpo, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Vegetação Sobre Afloramentos Rochosos

Life history

The life history of Huperzia reflexa is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle in a single year. As a perennial species, it maintains a stable presence within its ecological niche, often relying on slow growth rates and specialized structures to survive through varying environmental conditions. Its developmental strategy focuses on long-term survival and gradual expansion, which contrasts with annual or biennial life cycles that prioritize rapid seed production and senescence. Through this perennial existence, the plant can establish a continuous presence in its habitat, contributing to the long-term stability of its specific ecosystem.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Huperzia reflexa is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, maintaining a strictly self-supporting structure without the need for climbing or liana-like tendencies. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit epiphytic behavior, functioning instead as an independent organism rather than a parasite. Its physical habit is defined by its non-woody tissues, which support its herbaceous development within its natural terrestrial habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Huperzia reflexa has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology

Conditions

Huperzia reflexa has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease

1. Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology