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Spreading clubmoss facts for kids

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Spreading clubmoss
Diphasium scariosum kz1.jpg
Scientific classification
Synonyms
  • Diphasium decurrens (R.Br.) Holub
  • Lycopodium decurrens R.Br.
  • Lycopodium distans Colenso
  • Lycopodium lessonianum A.Rich.
  • Lycopodium scariosum G.Forst.
  • Stachygynandrum scariosum (G.Forster) P.Beauv.

Diphasium scariosum, also known as spreading clubmoss or creeping club moss, is a type of plant. It belongs to the club moss family, called Lycopodiaceae. Sometimes, it is also known by its older name, Lycopodium scariosum.

This plant is found naturally in Australia, New Zealand, and Borneo. It's a unique plant that grows along the ground.

About Spreading Clubmoss

Spreading clubmoss is part of a group of plants called Diphasium. Scientists who study plants sometimes group them in different ways. For example, the Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group (PPG I) says Diphasium is its own group. However, other scientists might put these plants into a larger group called Lycopodium. It's like how some people might call a specific type of dog a "terrier," while others might just call it a "dog."

What Spreading Clubmoss Looks Like

Diphasium scariosum has stems that lie flat on the ground. These stems can grow very long, sometimes up to 2 meters (about 6.5 feet). They also have many branches, making the plant spread out.

The leaves of this clubmoss are flat. They are quite small, growing up to 4 millimeters long.

Where Spreading Clubmoss Grows

This interesting plant is native to several places around the world. You can find it growing in:

It likes to grow in these regions, often in damp or open areas.

See Also

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