Pale Spikemoss

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Pale Spikemoss

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Lycopodium cuspidatum
• Selaginella cuspidata var. elongata
• Selaginella sulcangula
• Selaginella avilae
• Selaginella cuspidata var. emmeliana
• Selaginella emmeliana
• Selaginella dentifolia
• Selaginella incana
• Selaginella nidus-avis
• Selaginella pallasiana
• Selaginella pallescens f. aurea
• Selaginella sulcangula var. remotifolia
• Lycopodioides cuspidata
• Lycopodium pallescens
• Selaginella cuspidata
• Selaginella emmeliana var. aurea

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

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

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several distinct regions within Mexico. Its geographical range encompasses the diverse landscapes of Mexico Central and the coastal areas of Mexico Gulf. Additionally, the species can be found extending into the arid reaches of Mexico Northwest and Mexico Southwest. Further documentation confirms its occurrence within the specific environmental niches of Mexico Northeast. Together, these locations illustrate the broad ecological distribution of Selaginella pallescens throughout the country.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Selaginella pallescens is defined by its adaptability to diverse altitudinal gradients and specific moisture-rich environments. This species thrives across a broad elevational range, spanning from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum altitude of 2000 m AMSL. Its preferred habitats are characterized by high humidity and shade, specifically within forest ecosystems and riverine environments, where the consistent availability of water supports its growth patterns.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

forest, riverine

Morphology

The morphology of Selaginella pallescens is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically classified as a forb. It functions as an independent organism, exhibiting no parasitic behavior, and is primarily terrestrial in its habitat, rather than being aquatic or semi-aquatic. In terms of its structural habit, the plant is self-supporting, lacking the climbing mechanisms of a liana or vine, and it does not function as an epiphyte, maintaining a strictly terrestrial existence.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Selaginella pallescens has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Amentoflavone, Robustaflavone, trehalose.

Amentoflavone

1. Journal of AOAC International

Robustaflavone

1. Journal of AOAC International

trehalose

1. Journal of AOAC International

Conditions

Selaginella pallescens has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include gastrointestinal disorders.

Gastrointestinal disorders

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology