Selaginella nothohybrida

Selaginella nothohybrida, commonly known as a spike moss, is a unique pteridophyte valued in traditional medicine. Renowned for its bioactive compounds, this plant is studied for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It serves as a fascinating subject in ethnobotany, offering promising insights into natural therapeutic applications.

  • Scientific name: Selaginella nothohybrida
  • Family: Selaginellaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Lycopodiidae and the order Selaginellales, falling into the family Selaginellaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its membership in the genus Selaginella.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Lycopodiidae WCVP
Order Selaginellales WCVP
Family Selaginellaceae WCVP
Genus Selaginella WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Selaginella nothohybrida, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Chinese, it is referred to as 拟合瓣卷柏 (Nǐ hé bàn juǎn bǎi), while in English, it is commonly called the hybrid spike moss.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant, Selaginella nothohybrida, exhibits a specific distribution pattern within the country of Mexico. Its presence is recorded across several distinct regions of the nation. Specifically, it can be found growing in the Northeast part of Mexico. Additionally, the species is distributed throughout the Southwest region of Mexico. These two areas represent the primary geographical range for this medicinal plant.

Region Area Source
Mexico Mexico Northeast WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southwest WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Selaginella nothohybrida, is primarily valued for its therapeutic properties, which are often extracted through the use of its vegetative components. While the entire plant structure, including the stems and scale-like leaves, is utilized in traditional practices, the most common method of preparation involves creating a decoction. By boiling the plant material in water, the active medicinal compounds are released into a concentrated liquid form, allowing for easier ingestion and absorption of its bioactive constituents.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
decoction 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Selaginella nothohybrida has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include amentoflavone, robustaflavone, trehalose.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
amentoflavone 2 ★☆☆☆☆
robustaflavone 2 ★☆☆☆☆
trehalose 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Selaginella nothohybrida has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include diuresis.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
diuresis 1 ★☆☆☆☆