Spikemoss: The Ancient Plant That’s Actually Pretty Cool
Meet spikemoss (Selaginella pseudovolkensii), a fascinating little plant that’s been around since way before dinosaurs walked the earth. Don’t let the name fool you – this isn’t actually a moss at all! It’s what botanists call a lycopod, which makes it more closely related to ferns than to true mosses. Think of it as nature’s living fossil that decided to stick around and keep things interesting.
What Exactly Is Spikemoss?
Spikemoss belongs to an ancient group of plants called lycopods, which are some of the oldest vascular plants on our planet. Unlike true mosses, spikemosses have a proper vascular system – tiny tubes that transport water and nutrients throughout the plant, just like bigger plants do. This perennial little guy reproduces through spores rather than seeds or flowers, making it quite unique in the plant world.
What makes Selaginella pseudovolkensii special is its delicate, scale-like leaves that overlap in intricate patterns, creating a texture that’s both primitive and surprisingly elegant. It’s like having a piece of prehistoric Earth right in your garden!
Where Does It Come From?
This particular spikemoss is native to the Pacific Basin, specifically calling the tropical islands of Guam and Palau home. It’s perfectly adapted to the warm, humid conditions of these Pacific paradise locations, where it grows as a natural ground cover in shaded, moist areas.
Is Spikemoss Beneficial in Your Garden?
If you live in USDA hardiness zones 10-12 or have a greenhouse setup, spikemoss can be a wonderful addition to your plant collection. Here’s why it might be worth considering:
- Creates a unique, prehistoric texture that adds visual interest to shaded areas
- Works beautifully as a living ground cover in humid, tropical gardens
- Perfect for terrariums and conservatory settings
- Requires minimal maintenance once established in the right conditions
- Adds an educational element – it’s a great conversation starter about plant evolution!
However, keep in mind that spikemoss won’t attract pollinators like flowering plants do, since it reproduces through spores rather than flowers. Its benefits are more aesthetic and ecological than wildlife-supporting.
How to Identify Spikemoss
Spotting Selaginella pseudovolkensii is easier once you know what to look for:
- Small, scale-like leaves arranged in overlapping, four-ranked patterns
- Low-growing, creeping habit that forms dense mats
- Bright to dark green coloration (can vary with light conditions)
- No visible flowers or fruits – look for tiny spore-bearing structures instead
- Delicate, almost feathery appearance despite being quite sturdy
- Thrives in consistently moist, shaded environments
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re lucky enough to live in a tropical or subtropical climate, or you’re planning to grow spikemoss indoors, here’s what it needs to thrive:
- High humidity levels (60% or higher)
- Filtered or indirect light – direct sunlight will stress it out
- Consistently moist, well-draining soil
- Warm temperatures year-round (think tropical)
- Protection from strong winds
For most gardeners outside of tropical zones, spikemoss works best as a terrarium plant or greenhouse specimen, where you can control the humidity and temperature more easily.
The Bottom Line
Spikemoss might not be the showiest plant in your collection, but it brings something special to the table – a connection to Earth’s ancient past and a unique texture that’s hard to replicate with other plants. If you can provide the warm, humid conditions it craves, this little lycopod can be a delightful addition to your plant family. Just remember, it’s more about appreciating its prehistoric charm than expecting it to put on a floral display!
