1-13 Selaginellaceae, spikemoss family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

native ferns, Pteridophyte, spikemoss, species-at-risk, Selaginella

Abstract

These ground-dwelling mosslike plants are represented in Nova Scotia by only two species. Low-growing and creeping, they are freely branching, arising on sparse roots. Leaves are simple and sessile, sometimes ending in bristles, arranged in 4–6 ranks along the stems. Sporangia are carried in the leaf axils of the distal portion of the stems. Megaspore and microspores are both produced. Some exotic species are cultivated as houseplants. Rooger Lloyd photographed both species.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Adjunct Professor