wolf's-foot clubmoss

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• elkmoss
• running clubmoss
• running ground-pine
• running-pine
• stag's-horn clubmoss
• wolf's-claw clubmoss
• common club-moss
• elk-moss
• ground-pine
• running club-moss
• staghorn club-moss
• Common Clubmoss
• Stag's Horn
• Vegetable Sulphur
• running pine
• wolf's claw club moss
• wolf's-foot clubmoss

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Lepidotis clavata

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Lycopodiidae and order Lycopodiales, it is classified under the family Lycopodiaceae. Finally, its specific biological identification is within the genus Lycopodium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across various regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing naturally within the coastal and inland landscapes of Denmark. The species is also documented throughout the diverse terrains of Finland. Furthermore, its presence extends to the islands of Iceland and the United Kingdom, specifically Great Britain. Finally, this medicinal plant is well-established within the natural environment of Ireland.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lycopodium clavatum is characterized by a broad altitudinal distribution, thriving in diverse environments ranging from low-lying areas to high-altitude terrains. Specifically, the species can be found at elevations as low as 275 m AMSL, with a mean elevation of approximately 2500 m AMSL, and it reaches its maximum recorded height of 4200 m AMSL. A primary habitat for this plant is the Campo de Altitude, where it adapts to the specific climatic and soil conditions unique to these high-elevation grasslands.

Elevational range max:

4200 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

275 m AMSL

Habitat :

Campo de Altitude

Genetics

The genetics of Lycopodium clavatum are characterized by a complex life cycle that alternates between a dominant, long-lived sporophyte generation and a microscopic gametophyte generation, a pattern typical of lycophytes. The ploidy levels within this species are strictly differentiated according to the life stage: the mature, visible plant structure is a diploid sporophyte, whereas the haploid stage is represented by the gametophyte. Specifically, the genomic state of the gametophyte is defined by a ploidy level of n (haploid), containing a single set of chromosomes. This reduction in ploidy occurs following meiosis within the sporangia of the sporophyte, producing haploid spores that subsequently germinate to form the gametophytic generation. The genetic stability of Lycopodium clavatum is maintained through this alternation, with the haploid genome providing the genetic variation necessary for sexual reproduction through the fusion of gametes, which eventually restores the diploid state in the next generation of sporophytes.

Ploidy :

n

Life history

The life history of Lycopodium clavatum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. It exhibits a dual life form classification, functioning as both a chamemephyte, with its buds located close to the soil surface, and a geophyte, relying on underground structures for survival and regrowth. Throughout its life cycle, the plant maintains an evergreen nature, retaining its photosynthetic tissues year-round to support its continuous growth patterns in its natural habitat.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Lycopodium clavatum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb that is entirely self-supporting rather than acting as a climber or liana. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit epiphytic or aquatic tendencies, growing independently without parasitic relationships. The plant maintains a relatively low stature, with a minimum height of 0.05 m, a maximum height of 0.25 m, and a mean plant height of approximately 0.1075 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.25 m

Plant height mean:

0.1075 m

Plant height min:

0.05 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Lycopodium clavatum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing a standard carbon fixation process typical of many bryophytes and lycopods. The plant exhibits a non-carnivorous nutritional strategy, relying on organic matter decomposition and soil nutrients rather than the capture of prey. Its morphological leaf traits include a mean leaf size of 0.0239 cm², contributing to a Specific Leaf Area (SLA) with a mean value of 217.9 cm²/g, which reflects its leaf mass per area and efficiency in light interception. Additionally, the species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, lacking the symbiotic mechanisms required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Leaf size mean:

0.0239 cm²

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

217.9 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Lycopodium clavatum is characterized by a specialized life cycle that relies on specific seasonal timings and abiotic mechanisms. The flowering process typically occurs during the summer months, with the flowering period starting in July and concluding in August. As an abiotic pollination system, the plant utilizes wind as its primary pollination syndrome to facilitate the transfer of genetic material. Rather than producing traditional fruits such as berries or capsules, the reproductive structures are categorized under the "other" fruit type, specifically functioning as spore-bearing cones. Once the spores are matured, the plant employs an anemochorous dispersal syndrome, meaning the spores are dispersed via the wind to colonize new habitats. Additionally, there is no evidence of asexual reproduction being present in this species, making its reproductive success entirely dependent on these wind-driven sexual processes.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Aug

Fruit type :

other

Pollination syndrome :

wind

Pollination syndrome :

abiotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Lycopodium clavatum has 70 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include HupA, Lycopodine, 16-Oxolycoclavanol, 16-Oxoserratenediol, 21-Episerratenediol.

HupA

1. Plant molecular biology
2. Biotechnology letters

Lycopodine

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

16-Oxolycoclavanol

1. Dr. Duke

16-Oxoserratenediol

1. Dr. Duke

21-Episerratenediol

1. Dr. Duke

21-Episerratriol

1. Dr. Duke

22-dehydrocampesterol

1. Dr. Duke

9,10-Dihydroxystearic acid

1. Dr. Duke

ARSENIC

1. Dr. Duke

Acetylfawcettiine

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Lycopodium clavatum has 384 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Cytotoxic, 11B-HSD-Inhibitor, 5-Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor, ACE-Inhibitor.

Anticancer

1. Dr. Duke
2. Natural product research

Cytotoxic

1. Dr. Duke
2. Natural product research

11B-HSD-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

5-Alpha-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

ACE-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

ANS-Paralytic

1. Dr. Duke

ANS-Stimulant

1. Dr. Duke

Addictive

1. Dr. Duke

Aggregant

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Medicinal Uses

Lycopodium clavatum has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations