Alpine club moss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alpine club moss |
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Austrolycopodium fastigiatum, also known as alpine club moss or mountain club moss, is a type of club moss. It is native to New Zealand and Australia. Sometimes, it is also called Lycopodium fastigiatum because scientists have different ways of grouping these plants.
About Alpine Club Moss
Club mosses are ancient plants. They are related to ferns and reproduce using spores instead of seeds. Austrolycopodium fastigiatum is a unique member of this plant family.
What Does Alpine Club Moss Look Like?
This plant has an upright shape. It has many branches, making it look a bit like a tiny conifer tree. Austrolycopodium fastigiatum can grow up to about 10 cm (4 in) tall. When the weather gets very cold, this club moss can turn a bright orange color.
Where Does Alpine Club Moss Live?
You can find Austrolycopodium fastigiatum in many parts of New Zealand. It grows on islands like Stewart, Chatham, Adams, Auckland, and Campbell Islands. It also lives in the Australian states of Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales. This plant prefers to grow in mountainous areas. It can be found in high alpine regions or in scrubland.
