Garden selaginella (Selaginella kraussiana, Index Seminum (B, Berolinensis) 1859: 22 (1860))

Family: Selaginellaceae

Author: (Kunze) A.Braun

Bibliography: Index Seminum (B, Berolinensis) 1859: 22 (1860)

Year: 1860

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Selaginella

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Trop. & S. Africa

Description

Garden selaginella, scientifically known as Selaginella kraussiana, is a fascinating and resilient plant that belongs to the Selaginellaceae family. First documented in the mid-19th century and catalogued in the Index Seminum (B, Berolinensis) 1859: 22 (1860), this species has a rich history and is named after the prominent botanist who described it, Kunze, with further contributions by A. Braun.

Originating from diverse and ecologically rich regions, Selaginella kraussiana is native to Macaronesia, as well as tropical and southern Africa. These areas are known for their unique climates and biodiversity, allowing the Garden selaginella to thrive in varied conditions. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for gardens and indoor spaces alike, adapting well to different environments, provided it receives adequate humidity and shade.

Characterized by its intricate and delicate foliage, Garden selaginella exhibits a lush, moss-like appearance that adds a touch of vibrant green to any setting. The leaves are small and scale-like, forming dense mats that make it an attractive ground cover in gardens or a charming addition to terrariums and potted plant collections.

Gardeners and plant enthusiasts often appreciate Selaginella kraussiana for its ease of care and aesthetic appeal. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and benefits from regular watering, making it a low-maintenance option for those looking to introduce a touch of nature into their homes or landscapes.

Additionally, Selaginella kraussiana has interesting ecological functions and adaptations. In its native habitats, it often plays a role in preventing soil erosion and providing cover for various small organisms, contributing to the health and diversity of the ecosystem.

In summary, Garden selaginella (Selaginella kraussiana) is a versatile and attractive plant with a rich botanical heritage. Its adaptability and distinct appearance have made it a favored choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts around the world. Whether used as ground cover in gardens or as a decorative indoor plant, it brings a piece of its diverse native regions to any space it inhabits.

Common Names

Eng: krauss’ spikemoss, krauss’s clubmoss, krauss’s spike-moss, krauss’s-club-moss, garden selaginella, mat spike-moss, spreading-club-moss, trailing spike-moss, kraus’s clubmoss
Fra: sélaginelle des jardiniers
Swe: glansmosslummer
Kin: isharanhima
Por: selaginela
Nld: gazonmosvarentje
Cym: cnwp-fwsogl krauss, cnwpfwsogl kraus
En: Garden selaginella, Spreading-club-moss, Trailing spike-moss, Krauss’s spike-moss, Krauss’s-club-moss, Mat spike-moss, Krauss’ spikemoss, Golden clubmoss, Mat spikemoss, Mossy clubmoss, Spreading clubmoss, Trailing spikemoss, Krauss’ Spike-Moss, Krauss’s Clubmoss, Kraus’s Clubmoss
Zh: 小翠云
Nl: Gazonmosvarentje
Fi: Pikkumähkä
Fr: Sélaginelle des jardiniers
De: Feingliedriger Moosfarn, Krauss’sche Selaginelle, Krauss’scher Moosfarn
Rw: Isharanhima
Pl: Widliczka Kraussa
Pt: Selaginela
Sv: Glansmosslummer
Cy: Cnwp-fwsogl Krauss, Cnwpfwsogl Kraus

Synonyms

• Lycopodium kraussianum (Kunze)
• Lycopodioides kraussiana ((Kunze) Kuntze)
• Selaginella canescens (Fée)
• Didiclis kraussiana ((Kunze) Rothm.)
• Lycopodioides azorica ((Baker) Kuntze)
• Selaginella azorica (Baker)
• Selaginella kraussiana var. poulteri ((H.Laurentius) A.Braun)
• Selaginella poulteri (H.Laurentius)
• Selaginella kraussiana var. variegata (B.S.Williams)
• Selaginella kraussiana var. aurea (W.Bull)
• Selaginella hortensis (Mett.)
• Selaginella kraussiana var. brownii ((Stansf.) G.Nicholson)
• Selaginella brownii (Stansf.)
• Lycopodioides poulteri ((H.Laurentius) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Azores (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Congo (native)
• Equatorial Guinea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Chatham Is. (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Corse (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Panamá (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Sicilia (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Yugoslavia (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Nov 21, 2021 by Rosaria Trapani (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2021 by G. Akgül (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2021 by Phillip (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 12, 2021 by Janet Han (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2021 by G. Akgül (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Marilyn Hajas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 30, 2019 by Dustin (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2688189)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:90781-3)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Selaginella kraussiana (Kunze) A. Braun)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 4

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Soil nutriments: 5