Bushy spikemoss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bushy spikemoss |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Lycophytes |
| Class: | Lycopodiopsida |
| Order: | Selaginellales |
| Family: | Selaginellaceae |
| Genus: | Selaginella |
| Species: |
S. bigelovii
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| Binomial name | |
| Selaginella bigelovii Underw.
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Selaginella bigelovii is a cool little plant often called bushy spikemoss or Bigelow's spikemoss. It's a type of spikemoss, which are ancient plants related to ferns. You can find this plant growing in rocky areas in California and Baja California. It loves many different places, from sunny coastlines to tall mountains and even dry deserts!
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What is Bigelow's Spikemoss?
This plant is a special kind of lycophyte. Lycophytes are some of the oldest living groups of plants. They are sometimes called "clubmosses" or "spikemosses." These plants do not have flowers or seeds. Instead, they reproduce using tiny spores.
Where Does It Grow?
Bigelow's spikemoss is native to North America. It grows naturally in California and Baja California. This plant is very adaptable. It can live in many different kinds of places. You might find it near the ocean or high up in the mountains. It can even survive in dry desert areas. It prefers rocky spots where it can anchor itself.
What Does It Look Like?
This spikemoss grows in clumps. Its stems can spread out or stand upright. They can reach up to 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) long. The stems have a few short branches coming off them.
The leaves are green and shaped like tiny lines or spears. Each leaf is about 4 millimeters long. They have small, stiff bristles at their tips. The leaves usually lie flat against the stem. Sometimes, they stick out just a little bit.
How Does It Reproduce?
Like other spikemosses, Selaginella bigelovii reproduces with spores. It does not make flowers or seeds. The plant has special structures called strobili. These are like small cones. They grow at the base of the leaves. The strobili of Bigelow's spikemoss are a bright yellow-orange color. This is where the spores are made and released.
 | James B. Knighten |
 | Azellia White |
 | Willa Brown |
