Selaginella convoluta

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pulviniella convoluta
• Lycopodioides convoluta
• Lycopodioides orbigniana
• Lycopodium convolutum
• Selaginella longispicata var. subintegrifolia
• Selaginella longispicata
• Lycopodium revolutum
• Selaginella involvens var. texta
• Selaginella orbignyana
• Selaginella paradoxa
• Selaginella texta
• Selaginella textura

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Lycopodiidae, it is organized under the order Selaginellales and the family Selaginellaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Selaginella.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range that spans across parts of North and Central America. Within Mexico, it is primarily found located in the southeastern region of the country. Its distribution extends southward into Central America, where it inhabits the territory of Belize. Furthermore, the species is present in the nation of Guatemala. Finally, its documented presence continues through Honduras and Nicaragua.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Selaginella convoluta is characterized by its presence within the Floresta Ombrófila (equivalent to the Floresta Pluvial), where it thrives in the high-humidity conditions typical of tropical rainforest ecosystems. This species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, occupying a diverse range of vertical gradients from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to an elevation of 1900 m AMSL. This wide elevational range suggests an ability to adapt to varying microclimates, ranging from lowland tropical environments to higher-altitude montane forest settings.

Elevational range max:

1900 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Selaginella convoluta is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a member of the lycophyte group, its life cycle involves a distinct alternation of generations between a dominant sporophyte and a microscopic gametophyte. The perennial lifecycle enables the plant to establish stable colonies in its preferred moist, shaded habitats, where it can continue to grow and spread vegetatively via creeping rhizophores. During its reproductive phase, the sporophyte produces spores within specialized strobili, which are then dispersed to facilitate the development of gametophytes, ultimately ensuring the long-term continuity of the species across successive years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Selaginella convoluta is characterized by a non-woody, herbaceous growth form that functions as a self-supporting plant rather than a liana or vine. It is classified as a terrestrial organism, occupying soil-based habitats rather than being aquatic or semiaquatic, and it lacks epiphytic tendencies, remaining strictly terrestrial. As an independent species, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior, maintaining a self-reliant life cycle. Its structural development follows a herbaceous habit, lacking any woody tissue or significant lignification, which allows it to maintain its form within its specific ecological niche.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Selaginella convoluta has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Phenols, Steroids, Terpenoids.

Flavonoids

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Phenols

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Steroids

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Terpenoids

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Activities

Selaginella convoluta has 6 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antidepressant, Antiparasitic, Antiproliferative, Aphrodisiac.

Analgesic

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Antidepressant

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Antiparasitic

1. Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society

Antiproliferative

1. Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society

Aphrodisiac

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Diuretic

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Conditions

Selaginella convoluta has 7 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include amenorrhea, analgesic, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, bleeding.

Amenorrhea

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Analgesic

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Antidepressant

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Aphrodisiac

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Bleeding

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Diuretic

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Pain

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Preparations

Selaginella convoluta has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Sc-EtOH, ethanolic extract.

Sc-etoh

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Ethanolic extract

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine