Lycopodiella cernua

Lycopodiella cernua, commonly known as the clubmoss fern, is a distinctive herbaceous plant valued in traditional herbal medicine. Known for its unique spore-bearing structures, it contains bioactive compounds studied for their therapeutic potential. This resilient species serves as a vital subject in ethnobotany and natural pharmacology research.

  • Scientific name: Lycopodiella cernua
  • Family: Lycopodiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

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

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Lycopodiidae WCVP
Order Lycopodiales WCVP
Family Lycopodiaceae WCVP
Genus Lycopodiella WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several distinct regions of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. In Southwestern Europe, its presence is documented in Portugal. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, the species can be found in Sicilia. Furthermore, it occupies several islands within the Macaronesia region, including the Azores and Madeira. Its range also extends to the Cape Verde islands within the same Macaronesian archipelago.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southeastern Europe Sicilia WCVP
Macaronesia Azores WCVP
Macaronesia Cape Verde WCVP
Macaronesia Madeira WCVP
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Gambia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP

Activities

Lycopodiella cernua has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Neuroprotective, Xanthine-Oxidase-Inhibitor.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Neuroprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Xanthine-Oxidase-Inhibitor 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Lycopodiella cernua has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cognitive impairment, cognitive impairments.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cognitive impairment 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cognitive impairments 1 ★☆☆☆☆