Palau Spikemoss: A Tiny Tropical Wonder for Your Garden
Meet the Palau spikemoss (Selaginella palauensis), a delightful little plant that’s neither moss nor fern, but something wonderfully unique in between! This charming perennial belongs to a fascinating group of plants called lycopods or club mosses, and it brings a touch of prehistoric elegance to any tropical garden space.
What Exactly Is Palau Spikemoss?
Despite its common name, Palau spikemoss isn’t actually a moss at all. It’s what botanists call a lycopod – an ancient type of vascular plant that’s been around since long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Think of it as a living fossil that decided to stick around because it’s just too good at what it does!
This little beauty is classified as a forb, which means it’s a vascular plant without significant woody tissue. What makes it special is its delicate, scale-like leaves that create a feathery, almost lace-like appearance that can add incredible texture to your garden.
Where Does It Come From?
Palau spikemoss is a true island native, calling the Pacific Basin home – specifically Palau and Guam. It’s perfectly adapted to the warm, humid conditions of these tropical paradises, making it a wonderful choice if you’re trying to create an authentic Pacific island garden experience.
Is It Beneficial for Your Garden?
Absolutely! Here’s why Palau spikemoss can be a fantastic addition to the right garden:
- Unique texture: Its feathery, delicate appearance creates beautiful contrast against broader-leafed plants
- Ground coverage: Perfect for filling in shaded spots where other plants might struggle
- Low maintenance: Once established in the right conditions, it’s relatively easy to care for
- Conversation starter: Your guests will be fascinated by this living fossil in your garden
- Terrarium superstar: Excellent for indoor tropical terrariums
How to Identify Palau Spikemoss
Spotting Palau spikemoss is easier once you know what to look for:
- Size: It stays relatively small and low-growing
- Leaves: Tiny, scale-like leaves arranged in a distinctive feathery pattern
- Growth pattern: Spreads along the ground in a creeping manner
- Texture: Soft, delicate appearance that looks almost lace-like
- Color: Typically bright to medium green
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re lucky enough to live in USDA zones 10-12, you might be able to grow this tropical treasure outdoors. Here’s what it needs to thrive:
- Light: Filtered shade or bright indirect light – direct sun is a no-go
- Humidity: High humidity is essential (think tropical greenhouse levels)
- Soil: Well-draining but consistently moist soil
- Temperature: Warm tropical temperatures year-round
- Water: Regular watering to maintain moisture, but avoid waterlogging
Perfect Spots for Palau Spikemoss
This little gem works beautifully in:
- Tropical shade gardens
- Terrariums and enclosed plant displays
- Humid greenhouse collections
- Rock gardens with consistent moisture
- As groundcover under larger tropical plants
A Word of Caution
While Palau spikemoss is absolutely lovely, it’s quite specific about its needs. If you don’t live in a naturally tropical climate, you’ll need to recreate those conditions indoors. It’s not the most forgiving plant if conditions aren’t just right, but for those who can provide what it needs, it’s a truly rewarding addition to any plant collection.
Whether you’re creating a tropical paradise or just want to add something truly unique to your plant family, Palau spikemoss offers a glimpse into the ancient world of plants while bringing delicate beauty to your modern garden space.
