Lycopodium thyoides

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Lycopodium complanatum var. adpressifolium
• Lycopodium complanatum var. thyoides
• Lycopodium complanatum var. validum
• Diphasiastrum thyoides

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Its taxonomic hierarchy continues through the subclass Lycopodiidae and the order Lycopodiales, placing it in the family Lycopodiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Lycopodium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across various regions of Mexico. It can be found growing throughout the Mexico Central area. Its presence extends into the Mexico Northeast and the Mexico Gulf regions as well. Furthermore, the species is distributed across the Mexico Southwest territory. Finally, the plant is also documented within the Mexico Southeast portion of the country.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Lycopodium thyoides is defined by its presence in specialized high-altitude environments, specifically thriving within the Campo de Altitude and Floresta Ombrófila (also known as Floresta Pluvial) ecosystems. This species occupies a significant vertical niche, distributed across an elevational range that begins at 1300 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 4300 m AMSL. Its ability to inhabit these diverse moisture-rich and montane habitats suggests an adaptation to the specific climatic and soil conditions characteristic of these high-elevation forest and grassland mosaics.

Elevational range max:

4300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1300 m AMSL

Habitat :

Campo de Altitude, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Lycopodium thyoides is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its habitat over multiple growing seasons. Its life cycle involves a complex developmental process that begins with the germination of spores, which grow into small, inconspicuous gametophytes. Following fertilization, the plant develops into a sporophyte, characterized by its creeping rhizomes and upright, photosynthetic stems. As a perennial, it utilizes its underground rhizomatous system to store nutrients and spread vegetatively, enabling it to establish stable populations in moist, acidic environments. Periodically, the plant produces specialized reproductive structures known as strobili (cones) at the tips of its branches, which release vast quantities of spores to facilitate sexual reproduction and long-distance dispersal.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Lycopodium thyoides is characterized by its status as a non-woody, self-supporting herb. It functions as a terrestrial organism, growing independently without being an epiphyte or a parasite. The plant exhibits a growth form consistent with a herbaceous structure, lacking any climbing or vining tendencies, as it remains strictly self-supporting. Furthermore, it is not adapted to aquatic or semiaquatic environments, maintaining a purely terrestrial habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Lycopodium thyoides has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lycopodine.

Lycopodine

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology