Oval-Leaf Spikemoss: A Tiny Tropical Wonder You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Meet Selaginella ovifolia, better known as oval-leaf spikemoss—a fascinating little plant that’s about as far from your typical garden center find as you can get. This diminutive tropical native might look like moss at first glance, but it’s actually something quite different and decidedly more ancient.
What Exactly Is Oval-Leaf Spikemoss?
Don’t let the name fool you—oval-leaf spikemoss isn’t actually a moss at all! It belongs to a group of plants called spikemosses or lycophytes, which are living fossils that have been around since before the dinosaurs. These prehistoric survivors are more closely related to ferns than to true mosses, though they share that same delicate, carpet-like appearance that makes them so appealing.
Selaginella ovifolia is a perennial plant that forms low, spreading mats of tiny, overlapping scale-like leaves. Each leaf is oval-shaped (hence the name), giving the plant a distinctive texture that’s both intricate and elegant when viewed up close.
Where Does It Call Home?
This particular spikemoss is a true tropical native, calling Puerto Rico home. It’s perfectly adapted to the warm, humid conditions of the Caribbean, where it thrives in consistently wet environments.
The Wetland Specialist
Here’s where things get interesting for gardeners: oval-leaf spikemoss is what botanists call an obligate wetland species. This means it almost always grows in wetlands and requires consistently moist to wet conditions to survive. We’re talking about a plant that loves having its feet wet—constantly.
Is It Beneficial in Gardens?
The short answer is: it depends on what kind of garden you’re creating! For most traditional landscaping situations, oval-leaf spikemoss isn’t practical. However, it can be absolutely magical in the right setting:
- Specialized water features: Perfect for bog gardens or the edges of water gardens
- Terrariums: Excellent for creating authentic tropical wetland environments
- Greenhouse collections: A fascinating addition for plant collectors interested in unique species
- Educational gardens: Great for demonstrating plant evolution and wetland ecosystems
How to Identify Oval-Leaf Spikemoss
Spotting this little beauty requires a keen eye:
- Look for extremely small, scale-like leaves arranged in overlapping patterns
- The leaves are oval-shaped and give the plant a delicate, almost jewel-like appearance
- Forms low, creeping mats rather than upright growth
- Found exclusively in very wet conditions
- Much smaller and more delicate than true mosses
- Reproduces via tiny spores rather than seeds or flowers
The Reality Check for Gardeners
Let’s be honest: unless you’re in Puerto Rico or have a specialized setup that can maintain tropical wetland conditions year-round, oval-leaf spikemoss probably isn’t going to work in your garden. It requires consistent warmth, extremely high humidity, and constant moisture—conditions that are nearly impossible to maintain in most temperate climates without significant effort and specialized equipment.
For the Truly Adventurous
If you’re determined to try growing this unique plant, you’ll need:
- A controlled environment like a terrarium or greenhouse
- Consistently warm temperatures (tropical conditions)
- Extremely high humidity levels
- Constantly moist (but not stagnant) growing medium
- Patience—these plants grow very slowly
Remember, there’s no pollinator benefit here since spikemosses don’t produce flowers. They reproduce through spores, making them more of a collector’s curiosity than a wildlife garden staple.
The Bottom Line
Oval-leaf spikemoss is undoubtedly fascinating from a botanical perspective—a living link to ancient plant communities that once covered the earth. However, for most gardeners, it’s more of an appreciate from afar kind of plant. If you’re interested in supporting local ecosystems and pollinators, you’d be better served focusing on native plants from your own region that can thrive in your climate and support local wildlife.
That said, if you’re a plant collector with the right setup, or if you’re creating educational displays about plant evolution or wetland ecosystems, oval-leaf spikemoss could be a truly special addition to your collection. Just remember: this tiny tropical treasure demands very specific conditions and lots of TLC!
