Selaginella kraussiana

Selaginella kraussiana belongs to the Selaginellaceae family and is a representative of the moss fern (Selaginella). This plant is a small, ground -covering and creeping way that is often used in gardens and a houseplant due to its filigree structure and evergreen leaves. It originally comes from southern Africa, but is now common in many parts of the world, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.

Morphology

Selaginella kraussiana is a low -growing, persistent plant that reaches stimulus heights of about 5 to 10 cm. It forms dense carpets that can spread over the floor and quickly cover surfaces. The crawling shoots of the plant are very branched and covered with numerous small, scale -like leaves. These leaves are about 2 to 4 mm long, mostly light green, but there are also varieties with gold -colored or dark green leaves.

The leaves of Selaginella kraussiana are arranged two -line and attached close to the shoots, which gives the plant its moss -like appearance. Although the plant does not develop real flowers, it carries sporangia that enable reproduction. Selaginella kraussiana is one of the heterospores plants, which means that it forms two different types of spore: microspores (male) and mega pores (female), which are located in special structures, the so -called Strobili.

Physiology and adjustments

Selaginella kraussiana is a relatively undemanding plant that prefers shady locations with high humidity. However, it also tolerates sunnier layers as long as the floor is sufficiently moist. This plant is extremely adaptable to different environments and can thrive both in tropical forests and in moderate gardens as long as the soil permeability and moisture are guaranteed.

A special feature of the plant is its ability to store water and regulate the water balance. Similar to other representatives of Selaginellaceae, it has mechanisms to survive drought. It can dry out in dry periods and pass into a state of reduced metabolism. As soon as the moisture rises again, it can regenerate and continue to grow.

Distribution and Habitat

Although Selaginella kraussiana is at home in South Africa, she has spread out in many moist and shady areas around the world, especially in regions with moderate to tropical climate. It can be found especially in forests, on river banks, in bogs and on shady rocks, where, thanks to its creeping growth form and its ability to multiply over rhizome, it can cover large areas.

In some regions, the plant is even viewed as an invasive way, as it can quickly displace other ground cover and change the ecosystem. Especially in areas with high humidity and mild climate, it can spread quickly.

Use

Selaginella kraussiana is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and terrariums. Because of its dense, moss -like growth, it is ideal as a floor cover in shady areas and in damp locations where other plants have difficulties growing. It is also a popular choice for terrariums because it tolerates the high humidity and diffuse light in such environments.

Selaginella kraussiana is relatively undemanding in care, but requires constant moisture and prefers a well -permeable soil that is rich in organic substances. Waterlogging should be avoided because this can lead to root rot. The plant also does not tolerate dryness for a long time, which is why it should be watered regularly indoors.

Reproduction and growth

Selaginella kraussiana increases both through spores and vegetative through the formation of offshoots. The creeping shoots form roots as soon as they come into contact with the soil, which enables quick spread. This makes them an easy -care choice in damp gardens and as a houseplant, since it can easily be multiply via cuttings or division.