Spikemosses
Selaginella · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Spikemosses, scientifically known as Selaginella, is a unique genus of primitive vascular plants. Often recognized for their remarkable ability to undergo desiccation tolerance, these resilient organisms can survive extreme dehydration. Beyond their botanical intrigue, certain species hold significant medicinal potential, offering bioactive compounds for various therapeutic applications in pharmacology.
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- spikemoss
- spike-moss
- Spikemosses
Scientific Names
Accepted name
SelaginellaSynonyms
- Didiclis
- Gymnogynum
- Hypopterygiopsis
- Lycopodioides
- Mirmau
- Pulviniella
- Lepidoselaginella
- Megaloselaginella
- Sinoselaginella
- Afroselaginella
- Valdespinoa
- Korallia
- Ericetorum
- Kungiselaginella
- Chuselaginella
- Boreoselaginella
- Austroselaginella
- Lycopodina
- Bryodesma
- Stachygynandrum
- Diplostachyum
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Selagineláceas
- Selaginelaceas
- Doradillas
German:
- Moosfarne
- Moosfarn
- Moosfarnartige
- Moosfarngewächse
- Moosfarne
French:
- Sélaginelle
- Sélaginelle
- sélaginelles
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. Ultimately, the medicinal species is identified by the genus Selaginella.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Lycopodiidae |
| Order | Selaginellales |
| Family | Selaginellaceae |
| Genus | Selaginella |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the northern regions of Europe. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Its presence extends to the island territories of Føroyar and Iceland. Additionally, the species is documented within the diverse habitats of Great Britain. Together, these locations define the primary northern range for this medicinal plant.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark |
| Northern Europe | Finland |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain |
| Northern Europe | Iceland |
| Northern Europe | Ireland |
| Northern Europe | Norway |
| Northern Europe | Sweden |
| Middle Europe | Austria |
| Middle Europe | Belgium |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Chemicals
Selaginella has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Amentoflavone.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Amentoflavone | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Amentoflavone
- Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials