Appalachian firmoss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Appalachian firmoss |
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| Huperzia appressa growing on Åklinuten in Norway's Blefjell range at an elevation about 1,300 metres (4,300 ft) | |
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Huperzia
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appressa
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Huperzia appressa (say: Hoo-PER-zee-uh uh-PRESS-uh) is a cool non-flowering plant. It's often called the Appalachian firmoss. This plant is a type of clubmoss, which are ancient plants that don't have flowers or seeds.
About Huperzia appressa
Huperzia appressa is a small plant that grows on land. It can reach about 10 centimeters (or 4 inches) tall. Its stems branch out in a special way, splitting into two equal parts. Scientists call this "dichotomously branched."
You can find this plant in many parts of the world. It grows in countries like the United States, Canada, China, Russia, and several places in Europe. It often grows in rocky areas or open woodlands.
How Huperzia appressa Got its Name
Scientists give every living thing a special two-part name. This helps everyone around the world know exactly which plant or animal they are talking about.
The name Huperzia appressa was officially given by scientists Á. Löve and D. Löve in 1961. Before that, it was known by a slightly different name, Lycopodium selago L. var. appressum, which was first described in 1827.
