Delicate spikemoss

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Delicate spikemoss

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Lycopodioides delicatula
• Lycopodioides flaccida
• Selaginella chinensis
• Lycopodium flaccidum
• Lycopodium ovalifolium
• Selaginella davaoensis
• Selaginella ouvrardii
• Selaginella pouzolziana f. angustiramosa
• Selaginella pouzolziana var. brevifolia
• Selaginella pouzolziana var. philippinensis
• Selaginella pouzolziana var. punctata
• Selaginella simulans
• Lycopodium delicatulum
• Lycopodium pouzolzianum
• Selaginella ovalifolia
• Selaginella crassicaulis
• Selaginella flaccida
• Selaginella pouzolziana f. punctata
• Didiclis flaccida
• Didiclis delicatula
• Selaginella pouzolziana
• Lycopodium crassicaule

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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 Selaginellales, falling into the family Selaginellaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Selaginella.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range across several distinct regions in Asia. In China, its presence is noted throughout the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. The species also extends its reach to the island of Taiwan within Eastern Asia. Additionally, it can be found growing in the Assam region of the Indian Subcontinent. Together, these locations define the specific environmental niche where the species thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Selaginella delicatula is characterized by its specialized growth habits and ecological positioning, primarily classified under the life form of a chamaephyte. This classification is supported by its dual designation as a chamaephyte in both its primary life form categorization (Life_form_1) and its specific ecological profile (Life_form_2), indicating that its perennating buds are located close to the soil surface or slightly above it. As a member of the lycopod lineage, its life cycle involves an alternation of generations between a dominant sporophyte and a more subtle gametophyte stage, with its physical structure adapted to survive seasonal fluctuations through these low-growing, protective bud positions. This chamaephytic strategy allows the plant to maintain stability and resilience within its specific microhabitat, facilitating its persistence across varying environmental conditions.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Morphology

The morphology of Selaginella delicatula is characterized by a growth form categorized as a herb, exhibiting a delicate and fine-textured structure. It is a non-woody species, lacking any significant lignification in its stems. Regarding its habitat and growth habit, the plant is primarily terrestrial, though it can inhabit semiaquatic environments depending on moisture availability. Furthermore, it functions as a self-supporting plant, maintaining its structural integrity without the need for obligatory climbing mechanisms.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Selaginella delicatula has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,5-Di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-Di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, Amentoflavone, Robustaflavone, 3,4-Di-O-Caffeoylquinic acid.

3,5-Di-O-caffeoylquinic acid

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of natural products

4,5-Di-O-caffeoylquinic acid

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of natural products

Amentoflavone

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of natural products

Robustaflavone

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of natural products

3,4-Di-O-Caffeoylquinic acid

1. Dr. Duke

robustaflavone-7,4'-dimethyl ether

1. Journal of natural products

Activities

Selaginella delicatula has 18 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic, ACE-Inhibitor, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, AntiHIV, Antibradykinic.

Cytotoxic

1. Dr. Duke
2. Journal of natural products

ACE-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

AntiHIV

1. Dr. Duke

Antibradykinic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiedemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiinflammatory

1. Dr. Duke

Antileukemic

1. Dr. Duke

Antinociceptive

1. Dr. Duke

Antioxidant

1. Dr. Duke

Conditions

Selaginella delicatula has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Parkinson's disease, mitochondrial dysfunctions, oxidative stress.

Parkinson's disease

1. Neurotoxicology

Mitochondrial dysfunctions

1. Neurotoxicology

Oxidative stress

1. Neurotoxicology

Preparations

Selaginella delicatula has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include aqueous extract.

Aqueous extract

1. Neurotoxicology