Stalked Spikemoss: A Rare Caribbean Wetland Wonder
Meet the stalked spikemoss (Selaginella substipitata), a fascinating little plant that’s probably unlike anything else in your garden. This isn’t your typical flowering plant or even a true moss – it’s actually a spikemoss, which belongs to an ancient group of plants called lycopods that have been around since before the dinosaurs!
What Exactly Is Stalked Spikemoss?
Don’t let the name fool you – spikemosses aren’t actually mosses at all. Selaginella substipitata is a small, perennial plant that looks moss-like but is technically classified as a forb. It has tiny, scale-like leaves and reproduces through spores rather than seeds or flowers. Think of it as nature’s living fossil that decided to stick around in the Caribbean!
You might also see this plant listed under its scientific synonym, Selaginella portoricensis, but stalked spikemoss is the name that’s stuck in common usage.
Where Does It Call Home?
This little green gem is native exclusively to Puerto Rico, where it has carved out a very specific niche for itself in wetland environments. As an obligate wetland species, it almost always occurs in consistently wet conditions – we’re talking about a plant that really, really loves its water!
Is Stalked Spikemoss Right for Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit challenging). While stalked spikemoss is undeniably cool from a botanical perspective, it’s not exactly what you’d call garden-friendly for most situations. Here’s why:
- Extremely specific needs: This plant demands consistently wet conditions and high humidity
- Limited availability: Being native only to Puerto Rico makes it difficult to source responsibly
- Climate requirements: It thrives in tropical conditions (USDA zones 10-11)
- Specialized care: Not your typical plant it and forget it garden addition
If You’re Determined to Try It…
Should you find yourself with access to responsibly sourced stalked spikemoss and live in the right climate, here’s what you need to know:
Perfect Conditions: Think bog garden or specialized terrarium. This plant needs constant moisture, high humidity, and filtered light. Direct sunlight is a no-go.
Growing Environment: Consider it for:
- Specialized wetland restoration projects
- Humid terrariums or conservatories
- Bog gardens with consistent water sources
- Educational collections focused on primitive plants
Wildlife and Ecological Benefits
As a native wetland species, stalked spikemoss likely plays a role in its natural ecosystem, though specific wildlife benefits aren’t well-documented. In its native Puerto Rican wetlands, it probably contributes to soil stabilization and provides microhabitat for small organisms.
The Bottom Line
Stalked spikemoss is more of a botanical curiosity than a practical garden plant for most gardeners. Unless you’re specifically working on Puerto Rican native wetland restoration, have a specialized bog garden, or maintain tropical terrariums, you’ll probably want to admire this one from afar.
If you’re drawn to the unique texture and ancient appeal of spikemosses, consider looking into other Selaginella species that are more widely available and better suited to cultivation – just make sure they’re not invasive in your area!
Sometimes the most interesting plants are the ones that remind us that not everything in nature is meant for our backyard borders – and that’s perfectly okay.
