Huperzia squarrosa

Huperzia squarrosa is an evergreen vascular plant from the family of the Lycopodiaceae. This plant, which originally comes from tropical regions of Southeast Asia and some areas of Australia, is now widespread in moist, high -lying woods of up to 2,000 meters. It thrives in a climate with high humidity and constant temperatures, where it grows protected from direct sunlight.

Morphology

The plant is characterized by its epiphytic growth, which means that it often grows on trees or other plants without harming it as a parasite. Huperzia squarrosa has long, overhanging stems, which can reach a length of several meters depending on the age of the plant. The rungs are densely covered with small, scale -like leaves that are arranged around the stems and give the impression of small pine cones. These leaves are robust and often of dark green color, which protects the plant in its natural habitat from water loss.

Ecological importance and adjustments

The plant takes up water and nutrients mainly from the air and therefore rely on high humidity. Her ability to pull nutrients from fog and rainwater allows her to survive at locations where the soil is often low in nutrients. This adaptation is crucial for survival in tropical forests because it is so competition with nutrients and water on the ground. The plant forms spores for reproduction, which are released from the sporangies when ripening and can spread over the air.

Medical and cultural use

Huperzia squarrosa, like other types of genus Huperzia, contains the alkaloid active ingredient Huperzin A, which is attributed to an inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. As a result, the plant could potentially have a positive effect on cognitive processes, which is of interest to research in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. However, the use has not yet been extensively examined, and the effect and possible side effects have so far been little researched.

Conservation state and hazard

The destruction of natural habitats and collecting as an ornamental plant threatens Huperzia squarrosa in some regions. The cultivation in botanical gardens and the multiplication of spore cultures could be measures to protect this way from extinction. Since the plant is sensitive to environmental changes, the preservation of its natural habitats is crucial.

Care as an ornamental plant

Huperzia squarrosa is sometimes cultivated as a houseplant or ornamental plant in tropical gardens. However, your care is demanding because it needs a high humidity, consistently mild temperatures and indirect light. Due to its epiphytic way of life, it can be cultivated in hanging pots, with its long, overhanging stems particularly decorative.